Edward J. Rethman, 77, Sidney, died July 27, 2011, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.

He was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Versailles to Bernard "Ben" and Marie Stucke Rethman. On Feb. 7, 1959, he married Marjorie Barhorst, who died March 27, 2003.

Surviving are five children, Linda (Mike) Miller, Kettlersville, Don (Julie) Rethman, Jackson Center, Brenda (Steve) Gilardi, Mount Vernon, Janet (Don) Livornese, Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Amy (Ray) Lund, Louisville, Ky; two siblings, Dorothy (Ken) Barhorst, Fort Loramie, and Joan Hilgefort, St. Marys; and nine grandchildren.

Deceased is a brother-in-law, Richard Hilgefort.

A 1951 graduate of Versailles High School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1996, he retired after a long career in heavy construction primarily as a crane and backhoe operator for BG Danis and Kokosing.

He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, and of the McCartyville Knights of Columbus, Wapakoneta Eagles Lodge and the Shelby County Antique Tractors Association. He volunteered at the Center for Neurological Development, Burkettsville.

A Mass of Christian burial is 9 a.m. Saturday at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, McCartyville, the Rev. John W. Tonkin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie, and 8-8:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Condolences may be left at gehretfuneralhome.com.