James "Jim" Edward Retterath

James “Jim” Edward Retterath, age 82, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. 

Jim was born November 20, 1941, in Dexter, Minnesota to Joseph and Effie Retterath. He was the third of eleven children. Jim grew up in Stacyville, Iowa and attended school at Visitation Catholic School.

On August 20, 1960, Jim was untied in marriage to Janice Swank and together they raised four sons. He spent most of his career working at Hormel as a maintenance mechanic. 

Jim treasured traveling and going to movies with his wife. He shared his love of camping, fishing, and hunting with his grandchildren and many generations of nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his cribbage skills, humor, creative stories, and all of the love he gave his family.

Jim is survived by his four sons, Jamie (Vicki), Scott (Sue), Marc (Barb) and Jesse; nine grandchildren, Adam (Rachel), Sam (Justine), Chad, Katie (Lucas), Nate, Allie, John, Bradley (Skyller), and Lucas; sisters, Beverly Theobald, Dorothy Crooks, Mary Crooks and Martha Hoevet; brother, Joe Retterath; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Mike Retterath, John Retterath, Gene Retterath; sisters, Rosann Meyer and Phyllis Retterath; and grandson, Jake Retterath.