Dorrance J. Retterer, age 75, formerly of Waldo, went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, June 17, 2010, at the Arbors at Delaware following an extended illness.
On October 10, 1934, Dorrance was born in Marion County, the son of the late Calvin C. and Gertrude S. (Kries) Retterer.
He was a graduate of Waldo High School in the Class of 1952.
On October 15, 1954, Dorrance married the love of his life, Mary “Kathryn” Jessie, in Marion. Together they shared over 52 wonderful years of marriage, until she preceded him in death on December 15, 2006.
As a Paint Lab Technician, Dorrance worked for Whirlpool for many years servicing their paint department. He later worked as a Service Technician for PPG Industries, the company from which he retired.
Dorrance always enjoyed being around his hometown of Waldo. He loved spending time with friends at the G & R Tavern or going over to the Waldo Wood Shop to shoot the breeze with people there. He had also been a member of the Moose Lodge and spent many years helping take care of the Waldo cemeteries.
A sports nut, Dorrance always cheered on his Ohio State Buckeye football and basketball teams. He closely followed any sport that his grandsons participated in. The golf course was one of his favorite places to be, especially Kings Mill Golf Course in Waldo. He was even blessed enough to get a 192 yard hole in one at Mar-O-Del golf course in 1987. If he wasn’t out on the links, he could be found spending countless hours fishing at the Delaware Dam.
Dorrance also loved to be out on the road on his motorcycle. He had a Honda, but always dreamed of owning a Harley Davidson. Sometimes he would even take his favorite little dog, a Bichon named Adorer, out on the road with him.
A “teacher of unconditional love,” Dorrance displayed that love to everyone in his family, but most of all to his wife. From 2000 – 2006 Kathryn was a resident at the Arbors at Delaware due to her declining health. Dorrance would be there every day, lovingly taking care of her. They formed lasting friendships with many people at the Arbors and became involved with many of the activities available to them. Dorrance especially enjoyed being able to call the Bingo games and talking with and being able to share stories with everyone there. Because of the bonds he formed with the people at the Arbors, it made for an easy transition for him to move into the Arbors as his health began to decline the past few years.
Dorrance will be remembered by everyone as a person that could always bring a smile to your face and for his special gift of making people laugh. His Christian faith has now brought him home, to his Lord and Savior.
Dorrance will be dearly missed by his four children: Rick D. (Janet) Retterer and their son, Alex Retterer, all of Missouri City, Texas; Douglas C. Retterer of Fredericktown; Vickie L. (Craig) Conroy of Delaware, and their sons: Colton Conroy of Columbus and Chace Conroy of Delaware; and Rory S. (Lorinda) Retterer and their children: Amber and Tyler Retterer all of Marion; and his sister, Juanita Thiele of Cincinnati.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Norman James Retterer; and two brothers, Bernie and Dick Retterer.
Dorrance’s family will greet friends from 5 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m., with his daughter, Vickie Conroy officiating. Burial will follow in Waldo Cemetery.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Dorrance’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:7
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