Jeanette Retka

Jeanette Retka, 72 year old resident of Little Falls died Sunday, June 25 at the Long Prairie Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. The burial will be held at the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 30 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. and from 8:30-9:30AM on Saturday all visitation times will be at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service. The arrangements for Jeanette are with Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.

Jeanette Retka was born on May 13, 1945 in Little Falls to the late Thomas and Theresa (Slinger) Pientok. She attended Lincoln elementary school on the west side of Little Falls. Jeanette graduated with the class of 1964 from Little Falls Community School. During high school she waitressed at the West Side Caf for a few years. She was united in marriage to Jerry Retka on August 10, 1964 after their marriage the couple made their home in Minneapolis. Jeanette worked for Sears in Minneapolis. The family moved back to Little Falls in 1968. Jeanette worked as a waitress for the Royal Caf for several years. Jeanette and Jerry purchased the Royal Caf and owned and operated the caf for 13 years. She was also a co-owner of ServiceMaster Clean in Little Falls for over 35 years. Jeanette had a love of bowling and bowled on several bowling leagues throughout her life. She even earned the title of state champion in bowling. After retiring, she and Jerry would bowl in various leagues while wintering in Arizona. Jeanette treasured her time watching her children and grandchildren participate in softball leagues in Little Falls. She never missed a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night unless the weather was not favorable. Jeanette was a member of the following organizations: Little Falls Dandelions, Lone Eagle Auto Club, Antique Automobile Club of America, Two Cylinder Club, West Side Improvement Association, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays especially, Christmas and Halloween. Jeanette was an avid collector of Snowmen and Solar Lights. She will be remembered for her love of bird-watching, baking and making treats for friends and family.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerry Retka of Little Falls; children, Deb Retka of Little Falls, Ken (Jackie) Retka of Little Falls, Brian (Johnathan Miller) Retka of Sauk Rapids, Michele (Kimberly Rutz) Retka of Little Falls; siblings, Leona Hollands of Shoreview, Delores (Roger) Mullvaney of Maple Lake; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Sandy) Retka of Crystal, Gene (Janet) Retka Swanville; sisters-in-law, Mary Helton of Little Falls and Linda Retka of Blaine; grandchildren, Nick Retka, Erin Retka, Sebastien Long and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Theresa Pientok; brothers, Roman Pientok, infant Leo Pientok, brothers-in-law, Bob Hollands and Ed Butch Retka.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the West Side Improvement Association.