July 4, 1927 – April 6, 2024

Herman Grover "Joe" "Buddy" Rethmeyer Jr. passed away April 6, 2024, at his home in Friendswood TX at the age of 96.

Joe was born July 4, 1927 in Houston, TX to Herman Grover Rethmeyer Sr. and Blanche Hahn Rethmeyer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Margaret Dallas and Mary Belle Phillips, his wife of 54 years Rosemarie Daugherty Rethmeyer, daughter Joann Elizabeth Carey, and daughter-in-law Mary Lou Rethmeyer.

Joe is survived by sons Stephen, David (Donna), Andrew (Julie), Michael, daughter Kathleen (Keith) Ogden, son-in-law Craig Carey, six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

He graduated from Lamar High School, attended Stanford University, served in the U.S. Navy and finished his education at Rice University in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Joe had a successful career with Ingersoll Rand Corporation with assignments in Painted Post, NY, Phillipsburg, NJ, Houston, TX, Tulsa, OK, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Midland, TX, and New Orleans, LA.

It was in Phillipsburg where he met the love of his life Rosemarie.  Married in 1950, they spent the next 54 years raising a family, and making a lifetime of special memories and wonderful friends.  In retirement, before moving to Friendswood, they lived in Destin and Brooksville, FL where they enjoyed golfing and spending time on the beach.

Joe loved his family.  He was always ready with a good joke, he was an avid Astros fan, and had a thing for owls.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 22, 2024, at 11:30A.M. in St. Joseph Chapel at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, TX.  A celebration of life will be held after at 207 Friends Knoll Lane.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to his caregivers who are all very special and meant the world to him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (https://alzfdn.org/donate/).