“Jack” James Carl Rethman,

Age 88, of Wabash-York Road, Versailles, passed away of natural causes Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2024, at the Mercer Health Hospital in Coldwater, Ohio.  He was born April 27, 1936, at the home place in Versailles, Ohio, to the late Lawrence & Fredona (Bulcher) Rethman.  On January 6, 1962, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Egypt, Jack married Alberta (Osterloh) Rethman who preceded him in death on October 21, 2020.  Surviving are five children: Ken Rethman & Ann Heitbrink of Anna, Elaine & Kenneth Kuhn of Greenville, Bob & Tracy Rethman of St. Henry, Dan & Jodi Rethman of Versailles and Julie & Tom Barhorst of Sidney; eleven grandchildren: Brian Rethman, Sarah & Eric Heitkamp, Taylor & Eric Schmitmeyer, Katelyn, Carlee and Derek Rethman, Clare Rethman & fiancé, Josh Kuether, Jayme and Daniel Rethman, Olivia Barhorst, Blake Barhorst & fiancée, Reese Geise along with five great-grandchildren: Ellie, Clayton and JoJo Heitkamp, Walker Schmitmeyer and Skyla Barhorst; three siblings: Wanda Homan of Rossburg, Sharon Mayl of Dayton and Deb & Mike Tobe of Tipp City; sisters & brothers-in-law: Gladys Rethman of Maria Stein, Jovita Osterloh of St. Henry, Jerry Ostherloh of New Bremen, Yolanda Osterloh of Columbus, Barb Osterloh of Egypt, Irvin & Norma Osterloh of Adams, WI, and Janice & Tom Weitzel of Columbus along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by two siblings, Connie & Jerry Meyer, Dennis Rethman and brothers & sisters-in-law: Clem Homan, Gene Mayl, Alma & Ed Puthoff, Rita & Norb Eilerman, Othmar, Linus, Ivo and Laura Osterloh.

Mr. Rethman served in the US Army during the “Peace Time” period, following the Korean War and had also been engaged in dairy and poultry farming all of his working life.  He was a life-long member of St. Louis Catholic Church and belonged to the North Star American Legion.  Jack was dedicated to his family and the workings of his farm.  He also enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities, playing cards, shooting pool and building puzzles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Louis Church in North Star with Rev. Stephen Jones presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery.  Family and friends may call Wednesday, 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the church.  Memorials may be made to area emergency services or charities of choice.  Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.