Sandra “Sandi” Rettmer, age 79, resident of Boulder Estates in Marshall, formerly of Tracy, passed away from complications of pneumonia and lung cancer on Friday, February 14, 2020. She gently transitioned into death surrounded by her loving family at Seasons Hospice House in Redwood Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held in Tracy at a later date. Memorials preferred to The Rettmer Family c/o Matthew Rettmer, 4306 Foxberry, Castle Rock, CO 80109-4520. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandra Ruth Starken Rettmer was born October 27, 1940 in Tracy, Minnesota and spent most of her beautiful life there. The youngest of six children of Matt and Cora Starken, Sandi graduated from Tracy High School in 1958 and married “Mr. Tracy” Conrad Rettmer (d. 2014) on August 27, 1960. They had four children Stacy, Jane, Sara, and Matthew and seven grandchildren. In addition to her cherished roles of wife, mother, and grandmother, Sandi worked as a teller at Norwest Bank, an insurance and travel agent at Tracy Insurance Agency, and an administrative assistant at Schwan’s in Marshall. Sandi and Con were well known for their energetic friendliness and abundant hospitality hosting coffee klatches, football parties, Box Car Day weekends, and family gatherings. Sandi especially loved celebrating Christmas, changing her decoration color each year and having a large collection of Santa Clauses and Christmas Village items. She was an avid bowler and golfer and was a club champion at Tracy Country Club. Sandi and Con also loved to travel; Europe, Mexico, and all around the U.S. – visiting Colorado, Virginia, Wisconsin, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach most often. In her later years, Sandi enjoyed making her quilts, calling bingo and playing cards with her friends at Boulder. Sandi’s family wishes to express their gratitude to all of you who supported them and Sandi over the years.
She is survived by her four children: Stacy (Doug) Neis, Jane (Patrick) Belisle, Sara (Chad) Sammons, and Matthew (Heidi Simon) Rettmer; seven grandchildren: Mitchell, Ben, Ellen, Gabby, Natalie, Lindsey, and Peyton; and sister Nancy (Starken) Sanderson. She is preceded in death by her parents Matt and Cora, husband Conrad, and siblings: Jerome, Mary Lou, Gloria, and George.