Welcome to the memorial page for
Stephen "Steve" Rettenmayer
March 23, 1944 ~ June 28, 2015 (age 71) 71 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Michael and Nancy Abell
August 18, 2015 3:12 PM
Although we haven't seen you all in years, you have never been far from us. We think about you and share Steve stories with others all the time. Steve was truly a huge influence in our life, and we will miss him terribly. Our love to Linda and the boys.
Mike, Nancy, Brian and Kaitlin Abell
Mike, Nancy, Brian and Kaitlin Abell
Message from Philippa Muir
August 19, 2015 4:46 AM
I hope things are beginning to settle down now. The hurt will ease but the memory will remain.
Message from James Utley
July 27, 2015 8:43 AM
What can be said when thinking of Pastor Steve?
First, he exuded pure Joy and modeled the love of his Savior to everyone he met. Then there was this incredible talent he had for remembering your name after knowing you for just a short time. He made you feel incredibly comfortable and important. He was a wonderful friend, pastor and musician and most of all, he was FUN. He was in all ways like his boss in Heaven to us. He will be missed but because he's entered the Church Triumphant (something he always told us when friends and relatives died) there is no reason to weep, only celebrate and think of the day when we will reunite with him in Heaven where he is singing in the Hallelujah Chorus!
Utmost condolences to Dear Linda and the kids.
The Utley Family
First, he exuded pure Joy and modeled the love of his Savior to everyone he met. Then there was this incredible talent he had for remembering your name after knowing you for just a short time. He made you feel incredibly comfortable and important. He was a wonderful friend, pastor and musician and most of all, he was FUN. He was in all ways like his boss in Heaven to us. He will be missed but because he's entered the Church Triumphant (something he always told us when friends and relatives died) there is no reason to weep, only celebrate and think of the day when we will reunite with him in Heaven where he is singing in the Hallelujah Chorus!
Utmost condolences to Dear Linda and the kids.
The Utley Family
A candle was lit by Joan (Curtwright)McWhirter ....remembering you from band.
on July 24, 2015 4:00 PM
Message from Muzanya-Danie Sisya and Pat Tembo (ACL London)
July 10, 2015 7:48 PM
Dear Linda and Boys
Danie and I learned of the sad news on our Wedding Anniversary 7/7/15 and this was so poignant for us as Steve had married us on 7/7/17 at ACL. We have such fond memories and beautiful pictures of that memorable occasion and it was a real honour for him to grace our engagement in 2004 and even when you both returned to the USA he came back to marry us in 2007 and we felt truly blessed.The wedding service was so beautiful and we will hold on to this memory amongst many other memories.Danie holds on to the memories of the Habitat trip in Armenia that Steve led whilst at AcL. We were both so had brokern but know that the angels were waiting and a great celebration was had in the Land of Glory when you left here.Rest well in the Lord's bosom til we meet again.Linda we are thinking of you and the boys and lifting you in prayer.
Lots of Love.
Pat & Danie
Danie and I learned of the sad news on our Wedding Anniversary 7/7/15 and this was so poignant for us as Steve had married us on 7/7/17 at ACL. We have such fond memories and beautiful pictures of that memorable occasion and it was a real honour for him to grace our engagement in 2004 and even when you both returned to the USA he came back to marry us in 2007 and we felt truly blessed.The wedding service was so beautiful and we will hold on to this memory amongst many other memories.Danie holds on to the memories of the Habitat trip in Armenia that Steve led whilst at AcL. We were both so had brokern but know that the angels were waiting and a great celebration was had in the Land of Glory when you left here.Rest well in the Lord's bosom til we meet again.Linda we are thinking of you and the boys and lifting you in prayer.
Lots of Love.
Pat & Danie
A candle was lit by Pat and Danie (ACL)
on July 10, 2015 7:07 PM
Message from Lisa Doyle
July 7, 2015 10:23 PM
Though I never met Stephen Rettenmayer, I know what he represented to his son, Josh, my guitar teacher, in the many memories Josh has shared about his father and the influence he had in developing his musical knowlege. May the entire family find strength in the legacy of love, Stephen has left you all. - PEACE
A candle was lit by Lisa Doyle
on July 7, 2015 9:54 PM
Message from denise irving
July 6, 2015 4:16 AM
I was saddened to hear of Steves passing.Gods grace was definitely part of Steves being-his radiance shone from his being.May Gods healing light touch and sustain Linda and all of Steves family in Jesus" name.Amen.Denise Irving.
A candle was lit by denise irving -from WCH choir London UK
on July 6, 2015 4:01 AM
Message from Jim Kachenmeister and Debbie Rader
July 4, 2015 9:27 AM
Dear Linda and family,
We just heard this tragic news here in Italy and we are in shock. We are sending you our hugs and love. What a fine man. Our years together in London were memorable on so many levels. I still remember the night when I made the phone call to you inviting you to come to the American Church in London. You both accomplished so much while you were there... and we were the beneficiaries of so much of it.
With much love,
Jim and Debbie
We just heard this tragic news here in Italy and we are in shock. We are sending you our hugs and love. What a fine man. Our years together in London were memorable on so many levels. I still remember the night when I made the phone call to you inviting you to come to the American Church in London. You both accomplished so much while you were there... and we were the beneficiaries of so much of it.
With much love,
Jim and Debbie
Message from Mrs Deborah Boardman
July 4, 2015 7:33 AM
My deepest regrets to Linda and all of Steve's sons on the passing of their father, a wonderful man. I knew Steve and Linda from his dynamic ministry at the American Church in London.
Kindest regards,
Deborah
Kindest regards,
Deborah
Message from Lee Ann Vasil
July 3, 2015 12:20 PM
Linda, what a beautiful celebration of Steve's life. It was wonderful to hear the stories about Steve and Steve and you, it helped lift the sadness of the day. Peace to you.
A candle was lit by Christine Wood- secretary of the Stonewall Brigade Band
on July 3, 2015 7:53 AM
Message from Christine Wood
July 3, 2015 7:52 AM
I am truly blessed to have known Steve through the Stonewall Brigade Band. He blessed everyone he was around through his kindness and talents. He always had a smile and a terrific attitude towards everything. This is a terrible loss.
Message from David Bischoff
July 2, 2015 6:23 PM
My deep sympathy. Steve made this world a better place.
Message from David & Nicki Hooke
July 2, 2015 5:53 PM
Dear Linda,
Our hearts go out to you and the family at this time of loss and sadness for you all. Please be assured of our prayers for you from across the pond!
I was really shocked to hear of Steve’s promotion to Glory. We had only recently been in touch with Steve; Steve having taken the trouble to email across a good number of his photos of Jerusalem for our Adoramus concert this Sat 4th July, where we are using modes of transport and destinations to point to THE WAY and THE CITY.
I first meet Steve through links with the American church in London and had the privilege of pulling together a worship band for one of their weekends away, on that occasion led by Dallas Willard. On the Anniversary on 9/11, I also had the privilege of planning “A Service of Remembrance and Hope” with him and the American Church in which Adoramus played a major part at Westminster Central Hall.
Strangely only this Monday morning, [29th June 2015] I had been thinking of Steve. There are times in life when I’ve found it particularly helpful to seek counsel outside of one’s immediate circles and for me, Steve was someone who I knew I could turn to, from this side of the pond, and knew that his attentive and understanding ears would be at the ready to ponder and offer wisdom.
I enjoyed listening to him. I knew he had been in the U.S.Marine Band in his earlier years and I took delight in playing some of their recordings to him as we transported him around in our car. I remember being particularly impressed when learning that he had played at JFK’s funeral in the Marine Band as well as just being able to listen to the memories that the playing of the U.S. Marine Band recordings drew from him.
After Linda and Steve returned to the States, I always had at the back of my mind the possibility of involving his musical as well as pastoral skills in an Adoramus tour and that vision was fulfilled when Steve paid his way to join Adoramus in Normandie, for a week of concerts over Easter 2013. The whole group was inspired by the way that his personal understanding of the word and fresh experience of the location brought a fresh dynamic to God’s revelation. Among the highlights of that visit was a visit to the American Cemetery just above Omaha beach.
I can also remember him sitting in the orchestra, chatting to and encouraging fresh faced students and relating to them as though he was just their age. We were also privileged to have him play the solo clarinet part in Rutter’s setting of “The Lord is my Light and my salvation” in every concert which was beautiful in its simplicity – but beauty in simplicity is actually very hard to achieve musically.
During the same tour, I can also remember a moment when a simple act of his brought me to tears; again probably because of the beauty of the simplicity of it. Just a simple touch of human/divine love. Steve was leading a breaking of bread for us – I can’t remember whether he was in the middle of his talk or in the middle of the communion section, but one of our number was feeling very ill and was, as a result, just lying on the floor. Steve noticed this as it happened, didn’t do anything immediately, but then just decided to pause, went over to Denise and simply laid hands on her and led us in a prayer for her.
I think on reflection the thing that most impressed about Steve was and IS his life embodied THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE and will continue to do so.
Linda please be assured of our prayers for you and the family at this time. Linda and Steve we thank and praise God for you both
David Hooke & Nicki Hooke
Our hearts go out to you and the family at this time of loss and sadness for you all. Please be assured of our prayers for you from across the pond!
I was really shocked to hear of Steve’s promotion to Glory. We had only recently been in touch with Steve; Steve having taken the trouble to email across a good number of his photos of Jerusalem for our Adoramus concert this Sat 4th July, where we are using modes of transport and destinations to point to THE WAY and THE CITY.
I first meet Steve through links with the American church in London and had the privilege of pulling together a worship band for one of their weekends away, on that occasion led by Dallas Willard. On the Anniversary on 9/11, I also had the privilege of planning “A Service of Remembrance and Hope” with him and the American Church in which Adoramus played a major part at Westminster Central Hall.
Strangely only this Monday morning, [29th June 2015] I had been thinking of Steve. There are times in life when I’ve found it particularly helpful to seek counsel outside of one’s immediate circles and for me, Steve was someone who I knew I could turn to, from this side of the pond, and knew that his attentive and understanding ears would be at the ready to ponder and offer wisdom.
I enjoyed listening to him. I knew he had been in the U.S.Marine Band in his earlier years and I took delight in playing some of their recordings to him as we transported him around in our car. I remember being particularly impressed when learning that he had played at JFK’s funeral in the Marine Band as well as just being able to listen to the memories that the playing of the U.S. Marine Band recordings drew from him.
After Linda and Steve returned to the States, I always had at the back of my mind the possibility of involving his musical as well as pastoral skills in an Adoramus tour and that vision was fulfilled when Steve paid his way to join Adoramus in Normandie, for a week of concerts over Easter 2013. The whole group was inspired by the way that his personal understanding of the word and fresh experience of the location brought a fresh dynamic to God’s revelation. Among the highlights of that visit was a visit to the American Cemetery just above Omaha beach.
I can also remember him sitting in the orchestra, chatting to and encouraging fresh faced students and relating to them as though he was just their age. We were also privileged to have him play the solo clarinet part in Rutter’s setting of “The Lord is my Light and my salvation” in every concert which was beautiful in its simplicity – but beauty in simplicity is actually very hard to achieve musically.
During the same tour, I can also remember a moment when a simple act of his brought me to tears; again probably because of the beauty of the simplicity of it. Just a simple touch of human/divine love. Steve was leading a breaking of bread for us – I can’t remember whether he was in the middle of his talk or in the middle of the communion section, but one of our number was feeling very ill and was, as a result, just lying on the floor. Steve noticed this as it happened, didn’t do anything immediately, but then just decided to pause, went over to Denise and simply laid hands on her and led us in a prayer for her.
I think on reflection the thing that most impressed about Steve was and IS his life embodied THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE and will continue to do so.
Linda please be assured of our prayers for you and the family at this time. Linda and Steve we thank and praise God for you both
David Hooke & Nicki Hooke
Message from Rod Miller
July 2, 2015 4:52 PM
I remember Steve fondly - preaching, teaching, touring, singing and the time we played dixieland hymns at Conference. What fun! He always had a good word and was a great colleague in ministry. He will be missed.
My prayers are with you, Linda and your family.
My prayers are with you, Linda and your family.
Message from Conrad and Kathy Judy
July 2, 2015 12:17 PM
A Godly man, Steve Rettenmayer.
Sadly, gone from this life.
Gladly to be with his Lord!
God bless, Linda and the Rettenmayer family!
Conrad and Kathy Judy
Sadly, gone from this life.
Gladly to be with his Lord!
God bless, Linda and the Rettenmayer family!
Conrad and Kathy Judy
Message from Revd Seyan Tills
July 2, 2015 12:16 PM
Crossing paths on our respective journeys whilst in London have left lasting memories not least during the challenging days post 9/11.
To have known and served alongside Steve was a blessed opportunity.
To Linda and the family, love, sympathy and prayers from across 'The Pond'.
To have known and served alongside Steve was a blessed opportunity.
To Linda and the family, love, sympathy and prayers from across 'The Pond'.
Message from Jack & Betty Millman
July 2, 2015 10:30 AM
Steve was a great person that always gave his all to the ministry when at Mt Zion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lyndia and the boys and their family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lyndia and the boys and their family.
A candle was lit by Teresa Dill
on July 2, 2015 9:17 AM
Message from Sue and Chuck
July 2, 2015 7:20 AM
Linda and family,
I can't begin to tell you how shocked and saddened we were when we heard about Steve. We are still having a hard time accepting it. Steve was one of the most amazing people we ever had the pleasure of knowing. His joie de vivre was infectious and he was a true servant of God. We will miss him so much. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family; may God's love sustain you through this difficult time.
I can't begin to tell you how shocked and saddened we were when we heard about Steve. We are still having a hard time accepting it. Steve was one of the most amazing people we ever had the pleasure of knowing. His joie de vivre was infectious and he was a true servant of God. We will miss him so much. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family; may God's love sustain you through this difficult time.
Message from Mike Abu Libdeh
July 2, 2015 2:18 AM
Linda & Family,
From Jerusalem Stephen's beloved home...
Sending our deep condolences ....
Last March I was happy to see u and Steve around ....
Steve always was the leader the friend the brother with his soul smile ...
standing today in honor of Steve ....
Till we meet again my friend....
From Jerusalem Stephen's beloved home...
Sending our deep condolences ....
Last March I was happy to see u and Steve around ....
Steve always was the leader the friend the brother with his soul smile ...
standing today in honor of Steve ....
Till we meet again my friend....
Message from Lois Leighton
July 1, 2015 10:52 PM
In remembrance of Steve, our class president. So many fond memories of high school!! We will miss you Steve...God Bless you and your loving family.
A candle was lit by Mike Woolson
on July 1, 2015 10:50 PM
Message from Maxine McKinney and David Rash
July 1, 2015 9:19 PM
Linda, we have been privileged to know you and Steve for such a short time and have come to love you dearly. His death is a great loss to us but so much more to you and to your family. Our recent meals together provided lots of laughs and a few tears and a bond that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. We will treasure those and new ones we will make going forward.
Message from Terry & Wendy Snyder
July 1, 2015 8:47 PM
Sending our love to Wes and the whole family. I'm inspired by all that your Dad stood for, did in his life, the way he followed his passions and his relationship with God. He most certainly is being celebrated right now in heaven.
Message from James Ridgway
July 1, 2015 7:49 PM
Linda,
Everyone here in Lakeland at EO/JCBS were so saddened to hear of Steve's passing earlier this week. It was so unexpected as some had talked to him so recently. Of course Steve meant so much to the Jerusalem Center. His zeal and energy were unmatched, and he had such a genuine love for the Bible and the land. Personally, it was a delight and honor to work with him and his groups. I will always many wonderful memories of my time with both of you in the Holy Land. May the Lord be with you during this time, and to God be the glory for a life well-lived.
Everyone here in Lakeland at EO/JCBS were so saddened to hear of Steve's passing earlier this week. It was so unexpected as some had talked to him so recently. Of course Steve meant so much to the Jerusalem Center. His zeal and energy were unmatched, and he had such a genuine love for the Bible and the land. Personally, it was a delight and honor to work with him and his groups. I will always many wonderful memories of my time with both of you in the Holy Land. May the Lord be with you during this time, and to God be the glory for a life well-lived.
Message from Dennis McKinsey
July 1, 2015 7:27 PM
Linda,
Steve and I roomed together for about a year while we were both in the Marine Band. Kathy Agins called to let me know of Steve's homegoing. Our prayers are with you.
Dennis McKinsey
Steve and I roomed together for about a year while we were both in the Marine Band. Kathy Agins called to let me know of Steve's homegoing. Our prayers are with you.
Dennis McKinsey
Message from Norris and Linda Tingle
July 1, 2015 3:53 PM
Linda T. worked with Steve for many years at Towson UM Church. He was indeed a very talented and dedicated Pastor to God, his family and church. I know he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda R., sons and families at this time. May God bless and comfort you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda R., sons and families at this time. May God bless and comfort you all.
A candle was lit by James Taylor
on July 1, 2015 2:58 PM
Message from James Taylor
July 1, 2015 2:58 PM
A truely accomplished musician that served his Lord well. It was an honor to have been blessed by his musical talent he shared with all in the Stonewall Brigade Band. Steve is missed.
Message from philippa muir
July 2, 2015 4:02 PM
Yes Steve always was encouraging and interested to hear about my music studies.
Message from Mike Newton and Linda Werling
July 1, 2015 1:30 PM
Linda - Linda and I were very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was extremely helpful to me during a very difficult time in my life, and Linda and I were his last marriage at Faith. He will be missed, but I suspect the orchestra in heaven has welcomed his musical talents!!!
May God watch over you and your family, and may all the good memories of Steve help you through this difficult time.
May God watch over you and your family, and may all the good memories of Steve help you through this difficult time.
Message from Roger Ergenbright
July 1, 2015 11:54 AM
Steve will be sorely missed and fondly remembered in the Shenandoah Valley. I take great pleasure in knowing that I played music with such an outstanding clarinet player. He gave my daughter lessons which she will always remember and I'm sure everyone in the band learned something from him. I also take pride in knowing him as a brother Marine. Semper Fi, Steve!
Message from Grace Sangmuah
July 1, 2015 10:56 AM
Dear Linda
I am shocked and sad to hear of this sad news and sends our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is never easy. Revd Steve was such a great person and a good preacher he will live on in our memories forever.
May the Lord comforts you and the rest of the family with His love and care.
May Steve rest in perfect peace and rise in glory.
With love
Grace, Christina and the rest of the family (Methodist Ceentral Hall, Westminster London)
I am shocked and sad to hear of this sad news and sends our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is never easy. Revd Steve was such a great person and a good preacher he will live on in our memories forever.
May the Lord comforts you and the rest of the family with His love and care.
May Steve rest in perfect peace and rise in glory.
With love
Grace, Christina and the rest of the family (Methodist Ceentral Hall, Westminster London)
A candle was lit by Grace
on July 1, 2015 10:54 AM
Message from Grace Sangmuah
July 1, 2015 10:53 AM
Dear Linda
I am shocked and sad to hear of this sad news and send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is never easy. Revd Steve was such a great person and a good preacher he will live on in our memories forever.
May the Lord comforts you and the rest of the family with His love and care.
May Steve rest in perfect peace and rise in glory.
With love
Grace, Christina and the rest of the family (Methodist Ceentral Hall, Westminster London)
I am shocked and sad to hear of this sad news and send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is never easy. Revd Steve was such a great person and a good preacher he will live on in our memories forever.
May the Lord comforts you and the rest of the family with His love and care.
May Steve rest in perfect peace and rise in glory.
With love
Grace, Christina and the rest of the family (Methodist Ceentral Hall, Westminster London)
A candle was lit by Kate
on July 1, 2015 10:28 AM
Message from Kate
July 1, 2015 10:28 AM
Wes, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Message from Mrs. Ollie McEwen - Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London, England
July 1, 2015 6:00 AM
Dear Linda,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, Steve. I was shocked to hear of his death but know he served God fully with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and is now with Jesus. May the God of comfort and peace be with you and the family at this sad and difficult time. My prayers are with you all. Blessings, Ollie
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, Steve. I was shocked to hear of his death but know he served God fully with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and is now with Jesus. May the God of comfort and peace be with you and the family at this sad and difficult time. My prayers are with you all. Blessings, Ollie
A candle was lit by Mark & Sharon Adams & Family
on June 30, 2015 11:57 PM
Message from Kirsten Kruhm
June 30, 2015 9:52 PM
RIP Pastor Steve. I'm so grateful to have gotten to visit with you, Linda and Josh on my High School reunion weekend and the celebration of 150 years of Mt Zion. Even more blessed that our families got to catch up again when we both attended Mt Zion last September before the Orioles vs Yankees game and I was able to introduce you to my soon to be adopted son Braxton. Thanks for giving him Hell about wearing a Yankees jersey! I have the best memories of growing up in Fulton with your boys and having you as our Pastor. Prayers to your friends and family as we celebrate your life sadly cut too short.
A candle was lit by philippa muir
on June 30, 2015 6:52 PM
Message from Jean O'Connor
June 30, 2015 4:36 PM
Linda and "boys",
I am so sorry to hear about Steve's death. What a wonderful husband and father.
I pray the Lord Jesus will surround all of you with his comfort, love and peace.
Cousin Jean
I am so sorry to hear about Steve's death. What a wonderful husband and father.
I pray the Lord Jesus will surround all of you with his comfort, love and peace.
Cousin Jean
Message from pastor kurt & delores herzberg, harrisburg, pa
June 30, 2015 3:24 PM
Peace. He will be greatly missed. Linda, what a great legacy you and Steve have left to the world! Thank you!
Message from Philippa Muir
June 30, 2015 4:46 PM
Dear Linda
I was sad and shocked to hear about Steve. I feel blessed to have known him. I cannot begin to imagine how you must be at a time like this, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. I only wish I wasn't so far away so that I could attend his funeral.
God bless you and the rest of your family x
I was sad and shocked to hear about Steve. I feel blessed to have known him. I cannot begin to imagine how you must be at a time like this, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. I only wish I wasn't so far away so that I could attend his funeral.
God bless you and the rest of your family x
Message from Craig, Belinda, and Mary-Mac Fyfe
June 30, 2015 12:50 PM
By God's grace, Steve led me ( Belinda), to Christ...., Craig's tennis buddy, Mary-Mac's England family....He was one of the most gracious and warm people we've ever known....and we all loved him dearly. Now we also send our love and prayers to Linda and his 3 boys....Nate, your Mom and Dad used me (Belinda), to herald your conception at Mt. Zion! He knew his people well!!!
Message from Ed and Sara Crump
June 30, 2015 12:47 PM
To our dear friend Linda,
We grieve with you. Our hearts are very heavy this morning on hearing the news about Steve. What a shock this is!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God's love embrace you and your family and give you peace. We will be in touch soon. Sara and Ed Crump (friend and colleague of Steve and Linda at Educational Opportunities, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies)
We grieve with you. Our hearts are very heavy this morning on hearing the news about Steve. What a shock this is!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God's love embrace you and your family and give you peace. We will be in touch soon. Sara and Ed Crump (friend and colleague of Steve and Linda at Educational Opportunities, Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies)
A candle was lit by Ed and Sara Crump
on June 30, 2015 12:41 PM
Message from Rev. Alan Follett
June 30, 2015 11:10 AM
Steve had both a love of learning and a love of and commitment to God. His joy was infectious! h He will be deeply missed.
Message from James G. Howes
June 30, 2015 10:02 AM
Pastor Steve will always be fondly remembered as a wonderful man of God, who served the Lord faithfully at Towson United Methodist Church (Md.)
Message from Wendy Pell
June 30, 2015 9:57 AM
So sorry, Wes
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