Barbara J. Rettke

Barbara J. Rettke née Rickert, age 73, of Appleton Passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017. She was born June 15, 1943.

Barbara married her true soul mate Richard, at the home of their good friend and matchmaker Sandy Michalkiewicz on May 2, 1980. From that moment on Barbara became an instant mother to her two step-sons, Richard Stewart and Benjamin Todd, raising them as if they were her own. Together Barbara and Richard enjoyed their many travels across the country and to Ireland. Barbara was an avid quilter and Richard an “avid quilt supporter”. Richard would scout out quilt shops far and wide in his business travels and they would then visit them together. During the Iraq war she participated with an organization making quilts for soldiers, a labor of love for her. She has made many quilts for dear friends across the country and there are many Harley quilts hanging in homes and garages across the land. She was a full-time, 100% supporter and completer of Richard in all of his varied interests, including PSI World Seminars, Computer Clubs, the Shooting Sports, and most significantly in the building of their business affiliated with International Leadership Development and the Amway Corporation. She also, independently of Richard, took up the task of designing, creating and maintaining a website for an international icon in the quilting world who became a dear friend of Barbara's through the many quilt retreats Barbara attended.

She is survived by her loving and adoring husband Richard; her mother, Leona; two step-sons Benjamin Todd and Richard Stewart; two step-grandchildren Dylan Mykal and Kendra Miranda; brother-in-law Art (Janet) and sister-in-law, Diane (John) Telfer. Barbara is further survived by other relatives and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her two brothers Ron and Paul.

A Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 6:00p.m. at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N Superior Street in Appleton. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday at 4:00p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Barbara's name. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com

Barbara's family would like to thank her lifelong friend Sandy Michalkiewicz; her loving caregivers who gave respite to Richard, Amy Peskie, Melissa Mayo, Melissa (Missy) Moses and Synthea Ebben; David and April Humphrey; Arnie Kremer; Kathi Miller of IRIS; and the entire ILD Organization for their 27 years of love and support; and the many local family and friends who have always loved her.