Andrew John Rettenmaier
October 31, 1960 ~ August 2, 2023
Born in:
Amarillo, Texas
Resided in:
College Station, Texas
Andrew John Rettenmaier, of College Station, TX, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Son of Margaret M. (Gulde) and Donald G. Rettenmaier, Andy was born on October 31, 1960, in Amarillo, Texas. He grew up in the traditions of large German-American families, with equal doses of love, discipline and faith forming the background of his character, being surrounded by aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, his brothers, Brian and Karl, his sister, Ann, and especially his two wonderful parents, who loved him dearly. After studying Finance at Texas A&M, he began work with RRC, Inc. as a research analyst. He went on to earn a PhD in Economics from A&M, and joined the Private Enterprise Research Center, where he became Executive Associate Director. Andy relished the challenge of his work, and was most enriched by the collaborations and friendships formed there. He additionally enjoyed teaching an economics class each spring at A&M, particularly valuing his interactions with students.
While a grad student at A&M, Andy met and married Joanna, whom he cherished as his wife and closest friend. Adding to their joy was the birth of their daughter, Emme, whom Andy not only loved, but truly delighted in each day, from infancy through to adulthood. Andy was a faithful servant in many roles at Grace Bible Church, bearing deep love for his church family and community. Over the years, he read, studied and taught the Bible, mentoring many younger men in their faith journeys. Through and above all, Andy was a man who lived in the grace of God, and as a grateful recipient of that grace, gave to others the faithful, steadfast love he had received from his Lord.
Andy is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joanna Gowan Rettenmaier; his daughter, Emmeline Marie Rettenmaier; his parents Margaret M. and Donald G. Rettenmaier; his brother Brian Rettenmaier and wife Laurie; his brother Karl Rettemaier and wife Penny; his sister Ann Rettenmaier Huebner and husband Mel Huebner; his sister-in-law Cristi Gowan Wilson and husband, Greg; and his nieces and nephews Dan Rettenmaier, Amy Rettenmaier, Katie Rettenmaier Richardson, Steve Rettenmaier, Owen Rettenmaier, Claire Rettenmaier, Philip Rettenmaier, Ben Huebner, Adam Huebner, Rachel Huebner Truelock, and Sara Wilson, together with their families.
Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9th at Grace Bible Church, Anderson Campus, 700 Anderson Street, College Station, TX 77840 with Brian Fisher, Andy’s dear friend, officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Grace Bible Church, 700 Anderson Street, College Station, TX, 77840; or Young Life Brazos Valley, 1103 Anderson Street #101, College Station, TX, 77840.
The Rettenmaiers would like to express their deep gratitude to all their church family, friends, and neighbors who have shown such great love and kindness to them over the years and during this time. Express condolences at www.callawayjones.com.
Services
Memorial Service: August 9, 2023 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Grace Bible Church (Anderson)
700 Anderson St
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 693-2911
https://www.grace-bible.org/campus/anderson
Andy has always been an inspiration to others. His heart for the God and God’s children has shined through in everything he did. Blessed he is rejoicing with Jesus but he will be truly missed on this side of heaven.
Dearest Joanna, Emme, and all the Rettenmaier Family, My heart is simply breaking for you at this saddest of times. I can’t stop thinking about what a beautiful, wonderful family you are and how devastating it must be to lose such an important part of your family. Andrew was so dear in every way, always smiling, always giving, always such a warm soul. I know you will miss him every day for the rest of your lives. I just want to give you my deepest condolences and heartfelt love, and let you know I will be praying for you and yours as you go through this unbearable time. Joanna, I wish I could offer you more. From the first time I met you, I knew you two were a match made in Heaven. There are no words, just emptiness. Much love and many hugs.
Dear Joanna,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
You and Andy were the kindest people I knew.
I send you hugs and love.
Beth Roe
Joanna and Emme,
My prayers for His comfort and my deepest sympathies are with you. Andrew, what an amazing and brilliant man! May the powerful love of Jesus uphold you through the days ahead, and until we are all joyfully reunited in glorious heaven, through Christ our Savior.
Our heartfelt, deep condolences to Joanna and Emme and Joan and the rest of the family. We both enjoyed meaningful interactions with you just last week and are so sad for your loss. May God’s comfort be ever so real to you in the days ahead.
Joanna and Emme:
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Andy and I first met in grad school back in the 80s and reconnected when I came back to College Station in 2001. I cannot remember a single time I saw Andy that he did not have a smile on his face and a kind and encouraging word to pass along. The world has truly lost one of its crown jewels and he will be sorely missed. Godspeed, Craig
Such a very special man.
God bless his friends and family
Our very deepest sympathies to your family.
I’m sorry for your loss. I liked him and he was good cousin. He will be missed.
Sincerely michael gulde
Joanna and Emme,
We are deeply saddened by Andy’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to both of you and to Andy’s parents. Andy was such a kind person and caring friend. He will be greatly missed. Jenny and Liqun
You may be thinking, how can this be? Andy was my best friend. I have nothing for you regarding that first part, but I can assure you Andy was your best friend. He was mine too. I know this because if you were lucky enough to come into Andy’s orbit you got a friend who was genuinely and deeply kind. Andy was thoughtful and deliberate, but with a ready laugh and a sense of humor with just enough bite to keep it real. Joanna and Emme, I have nothing for you to ease the hurt, but you have all my love and every scrap of sympathy I possess. You have my promise to do my best to be as steadfast and kind to you and others as Andy was to me, to us, to all his best friends.
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and sympathy being sent to all the family.
Norman, Jeannie, Shelley (Friddell Jones) and Tony Friddell
Andy mentored me when I was an undergraduate student at A&M back in ’06. I’ll never forget the kindness he and his family showed me. Andy had a love for God, His Word, and enjoyed thinking/talking through the implications of Scripture. My deepest condolences to Joanna and the family. I’ll forever remember my time with Andy and you.
My deepest condolences to all of the family. I knew Andrew in my younger years, High School and St. Mary’s Catholic church on Washington Street in Amarillo. Andrew’s smile was unforgettable. I know how unbearable this time must be for all of you. Praying for you and the whole family.
My deepest condolences. We cannot imagine the heartbreak. Andy was such a good guy, like by everyone. The world is a sadder place without him. –Dennis and Debbie
Our very deepest sympathies to your family.
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. He was one of the earliest friends and brothers in Christ I got to know well at Grace Bible Church in the 1980’s. He was active in our Young Adults Group at Grace. He was genuine, a true Christ-follower, and a very kind and gracious friend. I lost touch to a large extent in the past 20 years, but whenever I saw Andy, our warm friendship and fellowship of the past was rekindled. I know we and so many others, including his precious family will miss him greatly. Love and comfort to all who grieve his loss, especially Joanna and Emme.
I am so saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend many hours with him during grad school. Andy was kind, generous, humble, and always full of life and positivity. Jennifer and I express our deepest condolences. – Michel