Tony Maurice Tretbar

TONY MAURICE TRETBAR October 26, 1953 - December 13, 2014 Tony Maurice Tretbar, age 61, of Detroit Lakes, MN formerly of Ponsford, MN peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on Saturday morning, December 13, 2014 at his home in Detroit Lakes following a valiant battle against cancer with his wife and soul mate, Sandy who was his main care giver at his side. Tony was born on October 26, 1953 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Maurice and Mildred (Pihlaja) Tretbar. At the age of three, Tony's family moved to Chicago, IL where his dad worked in construction for a number of years. In 1971, they returned to their farm on the Ponsford Prairie where Tony completed his last year of high school in Park Rapids. After graduation, Tony enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country at Ft. Leonardwood, MO and Ft. Lewis, WA. He shipped out to Camp Eschboern, Germany where he served until his honorable discharge in August of 1975. After returning home to the Ponsford, MN area, Tony gained employment working at the Cenex fertilizer Plant in Park Rapids. Later, he began working construction throughout the region doing concrete work in a career that has spanned over 32 years. His work sent him to jobs in Montana, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Northern Illinois as well as Minnesota. On August 19, 1977, Tony's life was made complete through his marriage to Sandy Nagle, who he always affectionately referred to as "his babe". In addition, to working construction, Tony worked for the United States Postal service for a period of six years. Tony loved the outdoors; especially, when he could be hunting, fishing or snowmobiling with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching demolition derbies. In his younger days, Tony was an exceptional softball player who excelled at both the positions of pitcher and catcher. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church near Ponsford most of his life. Above all, Tony devoted his life to his precious wife, Sandy, his children, grandchildren, parents and brother who he loved with all his heart. Tony will be lovingly remembered until they are all together in Heaven, never to part again, by his wife for these past 37 years, Sandy; his three children: Lisa Eckman of Menahga, Travis (Crystal) Tretbar and Joshua Tretbar all of Detroit Lakes, MN; his five dearly loved grandchildren; his father, Maurice (Carol) Tretbar of Park Rapids; his brother, Larry "Jiggs" (Jeanne) Tretbar of Ponsford; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, many cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother; a host of aunts and uncles; his sister-in-law, Georgia Beehler and his brother-in-law, Willy Nagle. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Snellman with the Rev. John Johannes officiating. The organist will be Marilyn Oelfke. The congregational hymns will be: "How Great Thou Art", "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". The recessional song will be "Angels Among Us". The casket bearers will be: Brian Tretbar, Tyler Eckman, Andy Tretbar, Greg Tretbar, Kenny Tretbar, Robert Sorenson, Andy Eckman, Dan Baker, Todd Young and Jeff Pihlaja. The honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren: Hannah Eckman, Haylee Eckman, Mason Tretbar and Jayden Sappie. Interment will be made in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery near Ponsford. Military honors will be provided by the Star of The North Marine Corps League under the direction of David Free. The army anthem and taps will be played by Mr. Ray Vaadeland. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday, December 16 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of services at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by St. Paul's Lutheran Church. To view the online video tribute or to leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com