David L. Rethlake

David L. Rethlake, age 80, of Huntington, IN, passed away at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, IN, on Friday, November 10, 2023.                                              

Mr. Rethlake was born on April 15, 1943, in Huntington, IN, to the late Bernard and Mildred (Metzinger) Rethlake. 

Dave graduated from Union Township High School in 1961.  He was a truck driver for many years and past owner of Polar Seal and Specialty Cartage in Huntington.  He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, 4th degree Knights of Columbus and former Grand Knight.  He was past President of St. Vincent de Paul, and past board member for United with Love of Huntington County. Dave was an avid fisherman.  He also enjoyed being a baseball coach at the PAL and a scout leader at St. Mary parish when his children were growing up.

Dave is survived by two sons, Troy (Melinda) Rethlake, Huntington, IN, Rod (Jene’) Rethlake, Fort Wayne, IN; two daughters, Jodi (Brady) Benson, Huntington, IN, Traci (Mike) Arnold, Andrews, IN; his wife of 52 years, Joyce Rethlake, Huntington, IN; two brothers, Tom (Jeanne) Rethlake, Columbia City, IN, Tim (Justine) Rethlake, St. Paul, MN; 13 grandchildren, Ashley (Derek) Simon, Erin (Paul) Ehler, Emily Rethlake, Lauren Rethlake, Andrew (Carrington) Rethlake, Adam Brinneman, Brook Brinneman, Celsey Brinneman, A. J. Benson, Kendra Arnold, Katelynn Arnold, Zach (Sierra) Smolinske, and Cody (Kennedy) Smolinske; and 14 great grandchildren.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, John “Jack” Rethlake.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. followed by calling hours from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.

Additional calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 901 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750, with Fr. Gary Sigler and Fr. Thomas Zehr presiding.

Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Vincent de Paul in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences:    www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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