William L. Retterath, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, 801 1 ^st St SE, Mandan with Fr. Paul Gardner and Fr. Patrick Cunningham officiating. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan with military rites provided by the Mandan American Legion and ND Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 7pm at the church in Mandan. There will be a rosary/vigil service at 7pm.

William (Bill) was born October 10, 1948, in Hazen, ND, the son of Leonard and Dorothy (Lange) Retterath. He married the love of his life, Carol Folk, on May 27, 1972, at St. Martins Catholic Church in Center, ND. They farmed and ranched together for over 45 years on their farm near Fort Clark. He took great pride in his farm and ranch and seeing the fruits of his labor. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed attending activities of his grandchildren. Bill had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.

He served in the United States Army from 1967-1970 and was stationed in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968-1969. He was proud of his military service and had great respect for the men he served with. He attended many ARAA (Aerial Rocket Artillery Association) reunions with his comrades, and considered them his "brothers".

Bill had a passion for riding and showing horses; especially cutting horses. He was a member of the ND Cutting Horse Association for over 30 years, the SD Cutting Horse Association/MN Cutting Horse Association He often said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man" (a quote borrowed from Winston Churchill).

Bill served on the Board of Directors for Oliver-Mercer/Roughrider Electric Co-op's from 1984-2022 (38 years), and a Director on the Upper Missouri Power Co-op from 2012-2022 (10 years).

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, Aerial Rocket Artillery Association, St. Edwin's Catholic Church, and Spirit of Life Catholic Church

He is survived by his wife Carol; his six children: Justin (Rachel) Retterath, Sarah (Damian) Huettl, Germaine Stroup (Nick Cavaliere), Luke (Emily) Retterath, Kate (Bo) Palczewski, Charles (Elyssa) Retterath; 15 Grandchildren; three sisters: Rita Kent, Jane Pearson, and Kathy (Curtis) Birst; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Dorothy Retterath; his brother, Duane Retterath; his sister, Donna Eisenmann.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial to the ND Veterans Cemetery or to a charity of choice.