Jerome "Jerry" Retka

Jerome Henry Retka (Jerry), age 84 of St. Thomas, MN, died peacefully at his home on Thursday morning August 4, 2016. Mass of Christian burial will be on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 10:30 a. m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in St. Thomas, MN. Visitation will be at Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur, MN on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and continue on Tuesday morning at the funeral home until 9:45 a.m. Jerry was born on January 3, 1932, in Flint, MI to Bernard and Florence (Peterson) Retka. From 1952 - 1954 he served in the United States Army. He married Catherine Sullivan on September 17, 1955. He grew up, went to school, was married, raised a family, and farmed all his life in St. Thomas. He was a farmer through and through and enjoyed his family and friends. He was an avid reader, enjoyed politics and listening to Old Time music. Jerry will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Catherine, Children; Chuck (Marie) Retka of St. Thomas, MN; Julie (David Byrne) Retka of St. Paul, MN; Lynn (Brad) Stenzel of Eagan, MN; Amy (Dave) Johnson of Prior Lake, MN; Renee Retka of St. Louis Park, MN; and Audrey Retka of Bloomington, MN. 11 grandchildren; Jason, Jessica, Jared, Jenna, Candy, Michael, Nona, Brie (Brett), Andy, Johanna, and Zach; 3 step-grandchildren, Miranda (Joel), Mackenzie, Devlin; and 1 great-grandchild, Harris. Siblings; Jim Retka of Seattle, WA; Orrin (Jan) Retka of Montgomery, MN; Gene (Sharon) Retka of Courtland, MN; and Sue (Will) Schill of Langdon, ND. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter; parents; and siblings; Rose, Patricia, Louise, Dan and Mary Jane. Special thanks to North Memorial Hospital and the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice team who were all wonderful to our dad and family.