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Obituary for Gomer H. Rettke
Longtime Brookings resident Gomer H. Rettke passed away at a local care facility in Brookings on October 21, 2017. He was 91.
Gomer was born on Oct. 16, 1926 in Tacoma, Wash. to Carl and Ruby (Chesterfield) Rettke. He spent most of his formative years there until he turned 18 wherein he enlisted in the US Navy. Gomer served aboard the USS Lofberg (DD759) from 1944 to 1946 earning the American Campaign, WWII Victory and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medals for his service. Gomer married Shirley Kerr in Brookings on January 6, 1952. He spent the majority of his career working for Brookings Plywood and South Coast Lumber Co., retiring in 1994. Gomer enjoyed spending time with his family and never missed an opportunity to play SkipBo with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf. His favorite restaurant was Mattie's Pancake House, formerly owned by his son, Dale. His family expresses their appreciation to the guys and gals of Mattie's for the kindness and care they have shown over the years, especially in the latter months of Gomer's life.
Survivors include Shirley Rettke, his wife of 65 years of Brookings; son, Larry Rettke of Independence, Ore., daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Steve Williams of Brookings, son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Jacki Rettke of Brookings; grandchildren, Kandi Rettke of Brookings, Ryan Rettke of Crescent City, Calif., Tia Vaughn of Roseburg, Ore., Mark Ramsdell, Jr. of Jefferson, Ore., Chris Rettke, USN, Japan, and Eric Rettke of Independence, Ore.; and 12 great grandchildren. Gomer was preceded in death by his sons, David Rettke and Bryon Rettke, great granddaughter, Kaydence Holmes, and brothers, Robert Rettke and Carl “Tyke” Rettke.
A celebration of Gomer’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at Lighthouse Assembly of God, Harbor, Oregon, with Pastor Tim Lourash of the Brookings Nazarene church, officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at WJ Ward Memorial Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
