Arthur Henry Lee "Art" Rettig, 68, of Atwood, IL passed away at 7:20 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL surrounded by his wife and children.

Military Rites for the US Marine Corps Veteran will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL with visitation following until 5:00 p.m.

Art was born on March 19, 1956 in Dover, OH, the son of his biological parents: Henry and Margaret Pearl Williams Head. Grandmother, Odessa Willams Doty, held a special place in his heart from the time he found his biological family in the early 1990's. He was adopted when his was eight years old by his wonderful bonus parents Glenn and Ruth Imhoff Rettig, who loved him throughout their lives. Art married the love of his life, Deb Graber on June 4, 1977 in Atwood. She survives.

Also surviving are their children: Micky Graber of Atwood; David Graber of Arthur; Tina (Jesse) Jones of Kansas, IL and their children: Christopher, Michael, Anthony, Jakob and Hannah; Jeremy (Teri) Retting of Mahomet and their children: Gracelyn, Tucker and Eloise; Shane Rettig of Atwood; James "Jimmy" (Bryson) Rettig of Atwood and their children: Alexander "Xander", Evelynn and Lylah; and Jordan Rettig of Tokyo, Japan. Siblings Tim (Chris) Rettig, Dan (Sherrie) Rettig, James "Jim" Brink, Lolly (Jim) Mower, Harold Hoestetler. Brother-in-Law Daryl (Debbie) Graber and Sister-in-law Darlene Sylvester. The one he spent the most time with his beloved beagle Gunner also survives. Art had dozens of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Several reached out over the years and he would lend an ear and maybe solicit some advice on issues within their lives. They always knew there was no judgement coming from him on their life choice or current situations.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Judy (Jerry) Goodman, Beth (Dave) Goebels, Clarence Brink, Wilbert "Bud" Brink, Roxy (Larry) Carr, Simone Brink, Frank (Delores) Humphrey and Marianna (Steve) Weisel. Meeting him on the other side will also be 3 more beloved puppies, Scout, Benny, and Sparky.

As a Marine, he had a love for America and American Eagles. Art was an Avid The Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Because they were in his beloved Ohio, he also appreciated Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Indians. Art loved visiting mother nature and experiencing her wonders, and teaching those wonders to his children, as well as the Boy Scout troop he led in the 80's. He took mental pictures of mother nature and would paint these scenes on canvas. He was also passionate about General Patton and WWII tanks, you could look it up in or book, or give Art a call, he would know the answer or know where to look to find the answer on these topics. He also loved putting together those model tanks from WWII.

Most importantly, Art cherished his time with all of his family and friends. He was quick to listen and offer advice, as well as joke around. He will be missed by those family and friends who also cherished those moments.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com