Eunice Emma Adeline Rettinger, 97, of Downers Grove, at rest May 31, 2026. Beloved wife of the late John; loving mother of Susan (Dennis) Severson, Lois Rettinger (Richard Willumsen Jr.) and Duane (Mary Jo) Rettinger; devoted grandmother of Michael Rettinger and Luke (Megan) Severson; dearest great grandmother of Kade and Ava; dear sister of Joyce Handschke, Deloros Samz, Emily Wolfarth, Karen Laux and Wayne Schimke; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Eunice was born to Emma (Daberko) and Edward Schimke as the second oldest daughter in the family of 12 children, 10 of whom lived to adulthood. The family were  hard working farmers milking cows, raising hogs, and growing crops for feed. Eunice learned to garden and preserve vegetables and to bake the best yeast bread. She carried these skills throughout her life instilling the same work ethic in her children. Her father taught the oldest to butcher chickens and hogs.
Eunice moved to the big city of Chicago where she was introduced to her husband by her cousin when the men were stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Eunice and John Rettinger started their marriage in May 1953 with the  first of many road trips. Eunice loved planning the itineraries back when travel information was requested by mail and paper maps were a necessity. Eunice and John with their children Susan, Lois and Duane camped in tents and pop-ups over the Midwest and West. Eunice could break camp in 20 minutes even trailer hookup. Eunice and John continued to explore the country and even had Schwinn 10 speeds to trail ride. Eunice created innumerable memories for her children from favorite cookies and cut-out cakes for birthdays, special meals for Holidays and table settings and her quirky sense of humor. Eunice is the reason her children over decorate for Holidays and have Christmas dishes and linens. Eunice continued the cut out cake tradition with her grandsons.
Visitation Thursday June 4, 2026 from 1-5 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home 4920 Main St., Downers Grove, with luncheon to be served during the visitation. Interment Friday June 5 at  10 A.M. at Chapel Hill Gradens South, Oak Lawn. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to VFW Post 503, 5101 Belmont Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515

VISITATION: June 4, 2026
Day: Thursday
Time: 1-5 P.M.
Location: Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home 4920 Main St., Downers Grove

FUNERAL SERVICES: June 4, 2026
Day: Thursday
Time: 5 P.M.
Location: Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home

INTERMENT: June 5, 2026
Day: Friday
Time: 10 A.M.
Location: Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn