Hi. I'm just now learning of Harold's passing. He and Jan were life-giving friends to my folks Jerry & Margie Santee through Grace Brethren. My mom just passed, and I was trying to call to let Harold know when I saw this.

Jan & Harold were also faithful ministry partners with us during our time on staff with Cru (Campus Crusade). And, Harold enthusiastically continued supporting us as we transitioned to staff with a partnering ministry called Filter of Hope, giving clean water and the gospel to families desperate for both. He loved seeing the cow manure water filter demonstration and the powerful gospel illustration!

My conversations with him remain vivid. He was gracious to recount Jan's passing with me and his journey through it. What he shared felt sacred. And even more so, he was continuing to build into me what this season of life looks like for a man to walk humbly with his Lord.

May the Lord continue to shine through all those Harold poured into.

Scott Santee
scott@filterofhope.org
(317) 289-3840javascript:void(0);

55 years of friendship develops a great sense of brotherhood, admiration and respect, and with so many memories to last forever. A professional partnership over decades is the true test of one's quality of life and attributes - very much like a lasting marriage. The special times with families, friends and colleagues is far reaching beyond words in a brief paragraph. 
I have been blessed to have had Harold Rettstatt as a partner, beginning known as: Gosnell, Essinger, Rettstatt, Weithman, Architects. We have all been blessed with greatness of many added partners, staff, hundreds of special clients, community support and participation deserving of record. Therefore, the 50 year history of "GERW Architects" that later transitioned to "Design Group" is being published in book form to share the remarkable stories and history of the dedicated individuals to service, responsibility to duty and honor.

I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and many friends.  
And with cheers to a wonderful life together, Clyde Gosnell

DesignGroup, Inc. purchased the Serene Retreat for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Harold was always outstanding in everything he did, and I don't think he had an enemy.  I was Delta High School Homecoming Queen in 1955, and even though Harold was dating a gal, I wanted to ask him to be my escort for the dance. He accepted, and of course, we had  pictures in the yearbook of him and me.  Then on our Junior Class Trip to Washington D.C in 1955 spring of the year, he and I paired off, as that was the usual thing to do, as we took a train, so basically we sat together on the train.  We remained friends for life, and anytime I would go to Columbus, we would meet somewhere for a snack. Our whole class is going to miss him, he was a class officer, and was involved in every sport. It is still hard to believe he is no longer with us, but we all have to get used to it. 
I had to write what I feel as our high school life was a long time ago, but still meant a lot!

Sandy Blausey

I remember Harold and Janet at Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna.  I was so impressed with their love for the Lord.  It was so evident in our Bible study classes.  I was sorry to hear they are gone but know they are now in Jesus' hands and together once again.

Phil Breakey, former member of Peace Lutheran Gahanna and now member of Epiphany Lutheran in Pickerington.

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Love's Journey was purchased for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Very sorry to hear of Harold’s death. He was an encourager and caring friend and a true man of God. He will be missed.
Dick and Rhea Hames

Gerilyn S. purchased the Large Basket Garden for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Your Praise Team Family purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Harold Rettstatt.

I first met Harold in second grade at Delta school.  We developed a lasting friendship that never ended,  we played many sports together and had outstanding basketball teams.  In football we were both ends and chose number 39 and 40.  These numbers were used as passcodes when needed.  He was a very good baseball player, was recruited, then chose to go to Western Michigan his first  year.  Our high school class was outstanding and had reunions for many years.  Harold, our MC, was always well prepared with the latest news on classmates.

Harold and I chose wives who were good friends and classmates two years younger than us.  We kept in contact over the years and remained good friends.

Our second year old college we both chose Ohio State and roomed together until graduation.  We formed an intramural basketball team that finished 2nd two years in a row to the football players team which no one beat!  I was in Engineering and Harold was in Architecture resulting in many late nights of studying.  We did our own cooking and every other Friday treated ourselves to the Blue Danube restaurant.  High school teammate Richard Gillespie joined us our last year at OSU.

I have cancer of the larynx and we shared emails about our cancer treatments.  I received his last email just after he found out his treatment was not working.  Harold’s strong faith for for many years was a blessing.  Carol and I were blessed to know Harold and Janet and know they are in God’s hands now.

Harold Leupp

I've known Harold and Jan since our  involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ in the 70's. My family and I were at their home many times and observed how Harold treated his family and others as a Christian.  On occasion, Harold use to take me a ride in his BMW convertible.  I would ask him to take me to Jan's grave site and then after to view the homestead on Henselwood in New Albany. I know his family will miss him as I will. But,I will see him agin in heaven.

Becky Dehus, friend

Praying for our friends in the Rettstatt Family. Harold was a loving, caring brother at Grace Polaris, especially in the Monday Mens Bible Study, and a fun loving travel companion to Israel and many trips to Word of Life Bible Conferences.

Harold and I served as Elders at Grace Brethren Church for over 35 years. He was a trusted friend, a golfing buddy, Christian brother, dinner partner after our wives died, and a sitting partner on Sunday morning. Harold, Janet, Wanda, and I spent many years at Florida Word of Life Ministries together. Janet and Harold are again back together talking with Wanda. Anxious to be with them in God's timing.  We shared Finishline Ministry together for many years. I will miss Harold. Praying for the family during this time. I loved Harold.

John, Doug, Jeff and Jenny: we were so saddened to learn that your precious dad went to meet his Saviour  yesterday. How loving is our God to not have him suffer more. He was such a dear friend and leader at Grace. We will miss him terribly. We only rejoice that he and your sweet mom are together once again. Absent from the body and now present with the Lord. They served faithfully. You all were blessed with such godly parents. You are in our prayers. Love, Jim and Carol Maxwell

OBITUARY

Harold Rettstatt

February 19, 1938 – October 21, 2021

Schoedinger Midtown

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