Elaine Rettig

Elaine Anne Rettig, 62, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, after a brief illness.  Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 9, 2018 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 718 W. Buffalo Ave., New Buffalo with Fr. John Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 North Barton St., New Buffalo. Those wishing to share a memory of Elaine online may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com  Elaine was born February 19, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Florian & Gisela (Menzer) Rettig. She graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1973 and then attended Lake Michigan College earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. Elaine worked for Scope Services in St. Joseph. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Elaine was at her best when in the company of children… when telling stories or reading to children she brought the characters to life and had children enthralled and staring wide-eyed waiting for the next page. She will be remembered for her caring heart, kindness to others and always willing to lend a hand to those in need.  Elaine is survived by her son Michael (Cyndi) Enochs, San Diego, CA; daughter Michelle (Will) Askew, Benton Harbor; mother Gisela Rettig, New Buffalo; grandchildren Jordan, Justin and Jonathan Askew, Benton Harbor; siblings John (Elizabeth) Rettig, Three Oaks, Sylvia (Dan) Durham, Stevensville, and George (Kris) Rettig of New Buffalo. Elaine was preceded in death by her father.