E. Mell Rettig

E. Mell Rettig, the son of Adam and Elizabeth Bortz Rettig, was born in 1883. In 1908, he married Clara Franz, the daughter of Fred and Mary Snyder Franz. For several years, they farmed in the Holgate area. Then the family moved into the village of Holgate. Mell worked as a car salesman for Rothenberger Brothers. He also helped in their hardware store.

In 1926, the Rettigs bought a farm near Florida, Ohio. There they remained the rest of their lives.

Six children were born to them: Carmen, Dorothy, Leota, Rudolph, Clifford and Madge.

Carmen married Elmer Brinkman and they have three children.

Dorothy married Leon Yenour and had one child, Beulah Yenour. Dorothy married, second, Earnest Ludeman and had one child, Elizabeth Ludeman. Dorothy passed away in February 1967.

Leota married Lester Sickmiller. They had eight children. Lester passed away in October, 1970.

Rudolph married Lorena Miller and they have four children.

Clifford never married.

Madge married Richard Nartker. They have one child, Linda.

A grand-daughter, Beulah Yenour, made her home with her grandparents for many years. She married Ralph Zimmerman, Jr. They have three children.

The Rettigs were life-long members of St. John's United Church of Christ, Holgate, Ohio.

Mell, who passed away in June, 1958, and Clara, who passed away in January, 1966, are buried in the church cemetery.

Submitted by: Richard Nartker Family