DAVE RETCHER RETIREMENT

DAVE RETCHER

RETIREMENT

Used

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Farmer Retirement Spotlight: Across Northwest Ohio, many know Dave Retcher as a third-generation farmer. Just as many know him simply as Coach Retcher - a man who spent a lifetime investing in both the land and the people around him. For nearly his entire life, Dave Retcher has called the same farm home. A third-generation farmer, he still lives on the farmstead his family purchased in 1920. Dave climbed onto an Allis D15 tractor at just six years old and never really looked back. By 1980, he had become the primary operator, continuing a family tradition built on hard work, innovation, and pride in the land. Along the way, he purchased his first tractor - an Allis 7020 - and later his own 60-acre farm. For nearly a half century, Dave faithfully cared for the land his family has called home for generations. Through changing seasons, changing technology, and changing times, he served as a dedicated steward of both the farm and the legacy entrusted to him. But Dave's impact has never been measured only by the acres he farmed. It has always been measured by people. Alongside his wife, Marcy, Dave spent countless evenings helping make Auglaize Park a place where young athletes could grow. From field maintenance and concessions to scheduling games, they quietly invested in their community year after year. Dave's coaching journey began in Paulding before eventually taking him to Ayersville, where he coached Ayersville Varsity Boys Basketball. Ask the players he coached what they remember most, and you'll hear the same story. He was the first one there. The last one to leave. Always willing to stay after practice, offer encouragement, or help a young person navigate life beyond the game. When asked what he was most proud of, Dave never mentioned wins or championships. He talked about helping kids become better people. Of course, every farmer has a few stories worth telling. Dave still laughs about the neighbor who wanted every groundhog left on the porch for supper, and the day he discovered a woman stranded at the top of his wagon after climbing up to collect soybeans for dinner. Those are the kinds of stories that remind us how special rural life truly is. Today, Dave admits this season isn't easy. After spending a lifetime farming, selling the equipment means more than retiring - it means saying goodbye to an identity that has been part of him since childhood. But the true measure of a life isn't found only in acres or machinery. It's found in the young athletes who became better people because of a coach who believed in them. It's found in neighbors who became friends, a community made stronger through quiet service, and a family whose values were lived out every single day. As Dave and Marcy look forward to spending more time with family, cheering on their grandchildren, and enjoying this next chapter together, we simply want to say thank you. Please join us in congratulating Dave Retcher on a lifetime of farming, coaching, mentorship, and service. Dave, thank you for allowing us to help share your story. At Limber Auctioneers, we don't just want your auction to be successful. We want your last day farming to be remembered.