KEWASKUM, Wis. — A West Bend man has a long-standing tradition of running that has spanned more than three decades.
Pete Rettler likes to dedicate his runs to a cause that means a lot to him. Rettler has been running every day for the past 31 years and hasn’t skipped a beat.
“Every year, I get another year of running in. I have just been very blessed with good health,” Rettler said.
He raises money at the start of each new year for a cause close to his heart. For the past six years, he’s raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Kewaskum 9/11 Memorial.
Rettler said he runs in honor of Andrea Haberman, who lost her life during the 9/11 terrorist attack. He said each time he goes out to run, he remembers why he’s doing it.
“I think as long as I can be blessed like this, I am going to make money for a cause that celebrates her life,” Rettler said. “Not only her life, but everyone that was affected by the 9/11 tragedy.”
Last year, on the 30th anniversary of his runs, he helped raise over $30,000 for the Kewaskum 9/11 Memorial.
This year, Rettler said he raised more than $19,000. He said he wants to use those funds to bring the Tunnels to Towers mobile 9/11 exhibit to Washington County in October.
“The money comes from my friends and relatives and business contacts, so it’s pretty special,” Rettler said. “Everything came together this year. It’s a good cause. It’s easy to raise money for something that people believe in.”
Andrea Haberman’s dad, Gordon Haberman, is on the board for the memorial. He said having someone like Rettler, who is also on the board, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year makes a huge impact.
“The money he’s raised through his running to benefit our memorial will ensure education for students for many years,” Gordon Haberman said.
Rettler said he believes it’s important to keep what happened that tragic day at the top of people’s minds, so no one forgets. He hopes the money raised will continue to educate the younger generations for years to come.
Donations can be made, here.