“Austin has been a blessing to his family and was the ray of sunshine in their lives,” the obituary stated. “He will be greatly missed by his friends and family who will strive every day to live the way Austin did, with selflessness, compassion and a strong love for God.”MINNEAPOLIS, MN —An East Ridge High grad and current student at the University of Minnesota who had been missing since May 8, was found dead Wednesday in the Mississippi River, according to the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.The body of 19-year-old Austin Retterath was identified by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the U of M DPS. The department said an investigation concluded there were no signs of foul play. On May, 9, The Minnesota Daily student newspaper reported that Retterath had last been seen the day before outside near the Mississippi River at East River Road and East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, and that a missing person’s report had been put out by the U of M DPS. An obituary posted online by the Thompson Funeral Home said Retterath was on the Dean’s List in the U of M College of Science and Engineering and that he had many hobbies, including: playing basketball, cheering on the Packers and Gophers, spending time at the lake with his family and friends and visiting new places.’He had many hobbies including playing basketball, cheering on the Packers, spending time at the lake with his family and friends, and visiting new places with his family,’ the obituary said.
Authorities identified a body pulled from the Mississippi River earlier this week as a 19-year-old University of Minnesota student who was reported missing nearly two weeks ago.Then last Wednesday the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office identified a man found dead in the river – but authorities didn’t announce that the body was Retterath until Friday.
A 19-year-old University of Minnesota student reported missing nearly two weeks ago has been confirmed dead after a body was found in the Mississippi River
‘Austin has been a blessing to his family and was the ray of sunshine in their lives. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family who will strive every day to live the way Austin did, with selflessness, compassion, and a strong love for God,’ the obituary continued.Austin was born on August 29, 2002, in Wausau, WI to Michael & Audra (Krebsbach) Retterath. He was loved by not only his parents but his older siblings, Chris & Alissa. He grew up attending his siblings’ events and was always their biggest fan. As he got older, he had many hobbies including playing basketball, cheering on the Packers, spending time at the lake with his family and friends, and visiting new places with his family.
Austin has been a blessing to his family and was the ray of sunshine in their lives. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family who will strive every day to live the way Austin did, with selflessness, compassion, and a strong love for God.
Austin chose to attend the University of Minnesota after graduating from East Ridge High School. He earned the distinction of being placed on the College of Science & Engineering’s Dean’s List. He loved supporting the Gophers at all of their sporting events and made great relationships and memories while at the U of M.
Austin is survived by his parents Michael & Audra Retterath; his brother Chris (Skylar) Retterath; his sister Alissa (Isaac) Leonard; and his nephews and niece that he adored – Crosby, Jay, & Isla. He is also survived by a loving extended family and great friends.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at Madonna Towers Chapel with Father Joe Hennen officiating. Friends may call from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Mahn Family Funeral Home – Rochester Chapel and one hour before the service Wednesday at Madonna Towers. A reception will be held following the service. Private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Austin.Survivors include his wife, June of Rochester; his son, Ricky (Marsha) of St. Joseph, Minnesota; daughters, Jill Roche of Rochester; April (Mark) Munson of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Lise (Brian) Mittag and Ann (Scott) Williams, both of Austin; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Linda) of Eyota, Minnesota, and Alan (Cheryl) of Lyle, Minnesota; and his sister, Patricia Retterath of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Thad Hansen.
James was born Aug. 2, 1938, on the family farm in McIntire, Iowa, to Alfred and Rose (Rauen) Retterath. He moved to Austin, Minnesota, at an early age and attended Austin Catholic schools. James served in the Airborne while in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Campbell, and finally in Augsburg, Germany. On Aug. 10, 1955, he married his childhood sweetheart, June Carmack of Austin. The couple lived their lives in Austin. James held multiple jobs, including ambulance driver, laborer and maintenance. James was an ardent supporter of unions and collective bargaining. He proudly served on the executive board for the local P-9 union. After residing in Florida for several years, the couple moved to Rochester in 2007, where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. James enjoyed his final years living at Madonna Towers, where he happily joined in the care of both residents and staff. James was a caring friend. He was quick with a joke, a story, and a sympathetic ear. He was known for his compassionate nature. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, travel, motorcycling and, mostly, his beloved Minnesota Vikings. His first love was his family, and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Jan is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Jim Retterath; sister, Darlene Hardy; four sons: Jamie (Vicki), Scott (Susan), Marc (Barb), and Jesse; nine grandchildren: Adam (Rachel), Sam (Justine), Chad, Katie (Lucas), Nate, Allie, John, Bradley and Lucas; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Born February 3, 1943, in Austin to Albert and Monica Swank, Jan was the youngest of four children. She grew up in Austin and attended Pacelli High School.
