Dr. Steven Donald Rettinger (“Steve”)
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Apr 17, 1963---Jul 14, 2025

Dr. Steven Donald Rettinger (“Steve”), 62, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away at his home on July 14, 2025. 

Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, on April 17, 1963, Steve was the only child of Donald H. Rettinger and Patricia A. Rettinger (née Gutzler). Growing up, Steve was a gifted athlete, excelling at football and ice hockey. His greatest joy, however, was found in baseball. Steve set records for his high school varsity baseball team and was a catcher for the St. Louis American Legion team. Steve was inducted into the Lindbergh High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. 

Steve graduated as valedictorian of Lindbergh High School’s Class of 1981. He attended the University of Missouri on a full academic scholarship, graduating with a degree in engineering in 1985. Born with a strong desire to help others and a brilliant mind, Steve attended Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. He graduated as an MD in 1989, then served the majority of his residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, finishing the remainder of his residency at the University of Kansas Hospital.

Though born into a Lutheran family, Steve converted to Catholicism and married Brenda Kahle in 1987 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in St. Louis. Together, they had three beautiful daughters, Maria, Micalla, and Ellayna, whom they raised and educated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School in Lenexa.

After the Rettinger family settled in Kansas in 1993, Steve served as a primary care doctor at Mid-America Physicians in Shawnee for over 20 years, developing a property at Shawnee Crossings and serving as its inaugural CEO. He was an extremely caring and thorough practitioner and was beloved by his patients. Steve also delivered over 500 babies throughout his career and found great meaning in bringing new life into the world, just as he found meaning in bringing peace and comfort to patients reaching the ends of their lives. Steve retired from medicine due to wide-ranging health issues in early 2024 after a 35-year career.

Steve coached his two older daughters, Maria and Micalla, in softball for a total of 19 years. Steve always said that his greatest memories were made at the ballpark with his daughters. He found joy in supporting his children in all of their scholastic endeavors and extracurricular pursuits, from academics to sports to musicals. His youngest daughter, Ellayna, was particularly invested in acting and singing on stage, and though not a performer himself, Steve lauded his daughter’s talent. He was a proud father who loved to tell stories about his kids to anyone who would listen. He had a laugh that immediately filled any space with mirth. 

Steve enjoyed writing short stories and poetry, finding inspiration from the likes of Walt Whitman and Ernest Hemingway. He found peace skiing in the mountains of Colorado and boating on Table Rock Lake on family vacations. He loved animals, especially dogs, and spent a great deal of time reading classic literature. Steve was also a lifelong fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals. 

Steve is preceded in death by his daughter, Micalla Rettinger, and parents, Donald and Patricia Rettinger. He is survived by daughters Maria Nikodem (Justin) and Ellayna Rettinger; three grandchildren - Lily, Eddie, and Lucy; and his stepmother, Carol Rettinger.

Steve will be remembered for the countless lives he saved and hearts he touched as a compassionate physician, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

 

Steven’s funeral arrangements are as follows:

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

13615 W 92nd St

Lenexa, KS 66215

Monday, July 21st, 2025

9:30 Visitation

10:30 Mass

11:45 Interment at Resurrection Cemetery 

Luncheon to follow at Holy Trinity

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in Steve’s honor to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium at the following address:  Friends of the Zoo of Kansas City Foundation, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO 64132. You may also donate online at https://kansascityzoo.org/form/donate-to-the-zoo-form/


Condolences

Andi and Scott Fredrickson Jul 17, 2025

Friend/teacher ,66062 ,Kansas

Lanie, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, sweet girl. My condolences and best thoughts are with you during this tough time. Andi and Scott (Mr. and Dr. Fredrickson)

Rich Fisher Jul 18, 2025

Friend ,Las Vegas ,Nevada

I am so sorry to hear this. Deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. I knew him well in high school. Myself and a few other friends spent a lot of time and his parents basement. We would go there on weekends and play the games that he had in the basement. It was so much fun. It’s some of the best memories that I have from high school. He was a wonderful person as were his parents. It sounds like he did great things. I haven’t talked to him in years, but he is so well remembered. It’s a huge loss. Again, my deepest update these to all. Rich Fisher

Debbie harral Jul 18, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Maria and Ellayna so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. So many wonderful.memories spent on and off the softball field with your family. Your dad loved the feel of the fields the competition but most of all the love of the sport. He was an amazing man friend and person. Cherish the memories you have of him.as your dad grandpa and the love he ha.d for.his girls. His laugh was the best. God be with you. Tom.and Debbie Harral

Fr. Michael Hermes Jul 18, 2025

friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

My prayers for the family of Dr. Rettinger. He was my primary care physician for many years. We had many good conversations about church, sports, family, etc. I respected him very much and appreciated his friendship and care. "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."

Cindy Jul 19, 2025

Patient ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Dr. Rettinger was the best doctor ever. He was my families primary care physician and delivered my youngest child. I was so sad when he was no longer practicing and have missed him ever since. No one can compare to the care he gave his patients. I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you guys as you go through this difficult moment.