Jim Rethman

Jim Rethman, 82, of Topeka, passed away at the House at Midland Care on March 10, 2022.

He was born in Axtell, Kansas on December 10, 1939, and was raised on a farm in Baileyville, Kansas by his parents, Anthony J. and Emma M. (Enneking) Rethman.

He began his working career driving an Egg Delivery Truck, worked at a city parking garage, the Santa Fe Shops and then worked with his brother, Gerald in the service station business.  He was an owner operator of Jim’s Gulf and later Jim’s Service Station on 3^rd and Quincy.  After leaving the gas station he used his skills as a handy man and mechanic and worked for the Ramada Inn and Kaw Valley Produce. He also enjoyed farming and raising cattle.

His interests included gardening, building and was a handy man.  He loved his beloved dog Chika who predeceased him.  Jim always made Christmas a priority for his family and friends.

Jim married Mary Stallbaumer on May 30, 1960.  They had five children together and later divorced.  He is survived by his children, Dave (Kathy) Rethman, Dan (Vicki) Rethman, Lynda Rethman, Lynn “Cotton” (Janelle) Rethman and Renae Steuart (Steve Bauman).  He has ten grandchildren, Aaron Rethman, Ashley (Chris) Hale, Kayla (Steve) Walker, Michelle (Billy) Gartner, Brian Rethman, Ellie (Mitchell) Clemmons, Cassie (Tre) Ingram, Sam Steuart, Erik Rethman, Jenna Rethman, and nine great grandchildren, Tristen, Emma, Charley, Hudson, Blakely, Cameron, Lilah, Asa and Lee. 

He is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Buser and Betty Blankenship Smarker, and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Rethman and Margaret Rethman.  He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Cheryl Rethman, his brothers, Norman Rethman, Gerald (Elsie) Rethman, Kenneth Rethman, his sister Karylee (Jim) Schifffelbein, and three brothers-in-law, Leonard Blankenship, Burton Buser and Don Smarker.

Jim will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15^th, after 4:00 p.m. where his family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and a rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 16^th, at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.