Gertrude Retterath

Gertrude Caroline “Gert” Retterath, age 89, of Austin, died Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at her home. Gert was born June 25, 1929 in Stacyville, Iowa to George and Theresa (Biederer) Firsching. She grew up in Stacyville and graduated from Visitation High School. On September 4, 1948 she married Fred Retterath at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. They moved to Austin where Fred was working at the Hormel Company until his retirement in 1980. Gert’s faith in the Catholic Church was one of the most important parts of her life. She was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin and held various positions in the Rosary Council and was an active participant in church functions. She was proud of being a homemaker most of her life. Her family was also a most important part of her life and she liked more than anything to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gert was much loved by them all. Gert loved to read, garden, and travel. The highlight of her travels was going to Germany and seeing the house her grandfather grew up in, and visiting the cities where her mother lived. She also loved visiting Rome and the Vatican. Survivors include her children, Louise (Ken) Hrabak, Austin, MN, Linda Ness, Coon Rapids, MN, Lavonne Retterath, Coon Rapids, MN, Don (Traci) Retterath, Missoula, MT, Dan Retterath, Maplewood, MN, Julie Carberry, Plymouth, MN, Janine (Michael) Daum, Eagan, MN, Patrick (Pamela) Retterath, Austin, MN; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Theresa Ungaro, San Pedro, CA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred; parents; 7 siblings, Lawrence Firsching, George Firsching, Alma Retterath, Laura Firsching, Rose Rauen, Margaret Schmitt, and Joseph Firsching. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 4 pm CCW rosary on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Monday, May 27 2019
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Tuesday, May 28 2019
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Queen of Angels Catholic Church
1001 Oakland Avenue East
Austin MN 55912

Service

Tuesday, May 28 2019
1:00 PM

Queen of Angels Catholic Church
1001 Oakland Avenue East
Austin MN 55912