Steve J. Retterath

Steve Joseph Retterath passed away surrounded by love, leaving this world with the quiet strength and dignity that defined his life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man whose hard work helped shape the world around him.

On October 9, 1965, Steve married the love of his life, Rachel, and together they built a life rooted in commitment, family, and unwavering devotion. Though Rachel passed away in 1998, their bond remained unbroken, and it brings comfort to know they are now reunited once again.

In 1972, Steve came to Florida and founded a crane, trucking, and rigging business known as A&J Hi-Lift, which later became General Crane, Inc. Built as a family business grounded in trust, integrity, and perseverance, General Crane played a significant role in constructing much of South Florida’s skyline, contributing to countless buildings up and down the East Coast of South Florida. His sons, Jason and Andrew Retterath, worked alongside him and were instrumental in the company’s growth. After years of dedication and progress, the business evolved into what is known today as Hunter Merchant Crane and Rigging, now operating five locations across South Florida, with some of Steve’s grandchildren proudly continuing the family legacy by working within the company today.

Steve’s impact extended far beyond his family. He positively affected the lives of everyone who worked in the companies he built—mentoring, supporting, and inspiring generations of employees. His dedication to people, as much as to the business, helped shape a company culture built on respect, teamwork, and opportunity, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the privilege to work with him.

Steve was a proud father to Andrew and Jason and a loving grandfather to Jason’s four children: Hunter and Chris, born to Jason and his first wife, Anne Walker, and Dustin and Rachel, born to Jason and his wife, Annelia. Family meant everything to Steve, and he cherished the generations that followed him.

Steve lived his life guided by kindness, perseverance, and loyalty—values he passed down through examples rather than words. His legacy lives on through his family, the company he built, the employees whose lives he touched, and the lasting mark he left on the South Florida community.

Steve will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home, located at 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida, on December 19, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Prayer Service will take place at the same venue on December 19, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for December 20, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at St Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 S Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, Florida, 33441.

The Committal will follow at Boca Raton Cemetery, 451 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida, on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida, on December 20, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.