Oswald ‘Ozzie’ Rethaber, 84, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Ozzie was born August 5, 1932, in Cuero, Texas son of the late Mary Rethaber. He married Dionne ‘Mitzi’ Spears on April 16, 1955. He later married Darlene (Uttech) Doering on December 10, 1992. She survives. As a young man, Ozzie’s first job was filling silos for Wally Pilhoffer in the Gleason area. Ozzie enlisted with the United States Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked for Carl Bolder on his potato farm. He then took a job at the former Atlas Plywood in Rhinelander. Ozzie eventually took a position with R.O.W./Hurd Millwork in the Merrill area. He retired from Hurd Millwork after more than 42 years. Ozzie also worked weekends as a logger with James Doering.
First and foremost, Ozzie enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed trout fishing with his fly rod; hunting with the “Doering Hunting Gang”; playing cards, especially Sheephead; and socializing with the neighborhood birthday club.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene Rethaber of the Town of Pine River; three daughters, Mary Weisshahn of Eau Claire, Cindy (Jim) Waldburger of Merrill and Brenda (Dell) Nicholson of Antigo; one son, Mark Rethaber of Gleason; one step-son, Dan (Laura) Doering of the Town of Pine River; 15 grandchildren, Cora, Becci, Shannon, Lindsey, Peter, Molly, Adam, Angel, Levi, Lani, Martin, Mindy, Matthew, Christina and Nicole; and 21 great-grandchildren. Ozzie was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Rethaber Flowers; his son-in-law, Bill Weisshahn; his daughter-in-law, Janet Rethaber; and his in-laws, Charlotte Spears and Edward and Stephanie Uttech.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Monday, October 3, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River. Pastor Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Church Cemetery, Town of Pine River with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Monday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com