Richard Brett Rectenwal

Brett Rectenwal made the world’s best Crème Brulee.

Yes, he was amazing at all that he cooked, but his Crème Brulee cannot be overstated.

Brett’s life began in Dearborn, Michigan on April 9, 1963, at 12:21 pm. He was at the time, the 3rd son born to his Father, Charles William Rectenwal, III and his mother, Sue Ann Hall. Brett was one of 5 boys in total. First born was Charles William Rectenwal, IV and Gregory Todd Rectenwal. He then became a big brother to Matthew Dods Rectenwal and Andrew Scott Rectenwal. “All in All,” he was the middle of 5 brothers. He often joked about this, because he was the only brother called by his middle name, “Brett”. This is what most called him during his life. Other family members had different nick names they used such as, “Duck Fettus”, “Bad Man”, “Da Monsta”, (by his niece and nephew) and “Bubba”.

Before Brett’s Military career, He spent most of his adult life in Bloomington, MN. One of the jobs he held was at the Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington, MN. He started as a Bus Boy and worked his way up. He also worked there with his other brothers Charlie, Greg and Matt. (It may have been here where he found his passion for cooking?). Every time we went home, we made it there for the famous French Onion Soup and Ceasar Salad. The best I ever had! Soup was served with big fat Scissors!

Brett was enlisted in the United States Army for 20 years and retired as a Master Sergeant, E-8. He served from 1984 to 2004. Stationed at Ft. Dix, NJ. Ft. Lee, NJ. Ft Riley KS. Old Guard Unit in D.C. Ft. Richarson AK. Ft. Hood TX. and recruiting duty station in Menomonee, WI. Brett then finished his career at the Pentagon, serving William A Cohen the Secretary of Defense. (Fun story here. His buddies in the Pentagon would say “Hey Master Seargent, NO WAY OUT?” This was a Kevin Costner movie as his character was employed at the Pentagon). We had been told by multiple people that he looked like Kevin Costner. This, Brett found odd. He didn’t see it. (I saw it and still do). If you asked him, he would have preferred if they called him “Clint”. Clint Eastwood was his favorite Actor of all time.

Brett was a man of many talents. He had the “Midas Touch” at just about anything he touched. He golfed, swam, ice skated, played tennis, ran in organized events and skied both snow and water. He looked like a pro at all no matter what sport he did. It came natural to him. I am sure his brothers have many golf stories to share. I am sure Brett would want me to mention his love for music. Brett loved Classic Rock. Some of his favorite groups were the “Rolling Stones”, “Tom Petty”, “the Doors”, “Dire Straits”, “Replacements”, “Suburbs”, “Lynyrd Skynyrd”, “Led Zeppelin”, “Steve Ray Vaughn” and so on. I am sure I am missed a few 100! Brett also became a fan of “Old School” and “Classic R&B”. One of our family friends Leonard Jordan, (Who we were stationed with in Anchorage) exposed him to many various artists. Brett he also got some of this exposure from myself and my family. I would be doing a Brett a disservice without mentioning how he could “Cut a rug” at any function! The one main skill that Brett was a master at was the art of fine cooking. He could follow any recipe given to him and it would come out to perfection. You named it, he cooked or baked it. The degree of difficulty never intimidated him. His main source of recipes came from “Epicurious”. IYKYK. Toughest recipes out there. Brett also had a special passion in his heart for animals. He had a few of his own. Here in Venice, he fed all kinds of birds and could tell you what each one was. He would come up with names for most of them. He also helped rescue birds on the beach with fishing hooks caught in their bodies. Brett also had a special relationship with each child that he met. He took the time to talk to them and guide when he could. He helped the Elderly, and the disadvantaged. One of his best characteristics he possessed was empathy and compassion.

On February 9th, 2025, at 12:37 Brett took his final beautiful journey to Jesus. His exit was a graceful one. He was at the Tidewell Hospice House here in Venice, Fl. at Village on The Isle. He was surrounded by extraordinary love and even “Jaxson” one of his loved doggie fans. Brett was preceded in death by his Father Charles William Rectenwal, III; His nephews Charles William Rectenwal, V. and Derek Jon Rectenwal; Father and Mother-in-Law, Mr. Joseph L. Bethe and Mary A. Hudlow Berthe. He is survived by his Spouse, Laura Berthe-Rectenwal; Mother, Sue Ann Rectenwal; Brothers Charles and wife Dawn Rectenwal; Greg and his wife Gale; Matt Rectenwal; Andrew Rectenwal and his wife Heather; He had 3 nieces, Lauren “Lo-Lo” (Rectenwal) Kleven and her husband Joey Kleven with Son Cameron; Grace Ariel; Alexandra Eowen; Nephews are Drew Rectenwal and his wife Kelly with daughters Oakley and Taya; Todd Rectenwal and his wife Carrie with son Grady; Luke Rectenwal; Jared Rectenwal with his wife Jaleesa and son Finn; Joe Ruhland and wife Jen with son Kai and daughter Nell. He is also survived by his sister and brother In-Law, Mrs. Fernette P. (Berthe) Ramnath and Keith Ramnath.

Today and forever Brett flies free. Godspeed to you!

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to your local SPCA or the local Big Brothers and Sisters organization in your area.

Visitation will be at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel, on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 2 pm - 4 pm.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.