John Donald Rethman, age 78, of Loy Road, Fort Loramie, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025. He was born September 28, 1946, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late Karl & Frances (Boerger) Rethman. On September 27, 1969, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie, John married Betty Lou (Ernst) Rethman who preceded him in death on February 25, 2025.

Surviving are three children: Brad & Ann Rethman of Fort Loramie, Karla & Doug Larger of Minster and Kelly & Jason Borchers of Fort Loramie; 12 grandchildren: Jake, Paige, Claira and Frank Rethman; Kate, Anna, Grant and Grace Larger and Liv, Colleen, Camille and Elaina Borchers; one brother, Bill & Jan Rethman of Fort Loramie as well as sisters & brothers-in-law: Connie Strobel of Troy, Carol Brewer of Tipp City and Shirley & Glen Hamilton of Toledo along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Jim & Beck Rethman and brothers & sisters-in-law: John Ernst, Barb Ernst Wilson, Bill Strobel and Larry Brewer.

Mr. Rethman was a 1964 graduate of Fort Loramie High School before attending the Dayton Barber College. He served in the Ohio Army National Guard during the Vietnam Era. John owned and operated John's Barber shop in Fort Loramie on evenings and weekends while working for Ernst Aggregate in Tipp City. He had also been engaged in farming all of his working life. John was a life-long member of St. Michael Catholic Church. He belonged to the Fort Loramie American Legion and was a 10-year charter member of the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad. He had also been a past member of the Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Sidney Moose Lodge.

John was dedicated to his late wife Betty and his family. He especially enjoyed following his children and grandchildren's activities and sports events. In his younger years John was known to have been a talented athlete.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Alex Biryomumeisho presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Family and friends may call Friday, 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Saturday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad.

Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.