Obituary: George Harold Retzlaff Sr.
George Harold Retzlaff Sr. of Reedsburg, Wi, will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. George passed away at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his memory with love and laughter.
George was born on December 21st, 1945, to parents Harold and Alice (Shultis) Retzlaff in Reedsburg, WI. After George graduated from Webb High School, he went on to complete the Ag short course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Afterwards he lived and worked on the family farm, where he would grow his own family. George also went on to drive for Skinner transfer for many years, where he made numerous lifelong friendships. He would eventually move on from Skinner to start his own trucking business, GSR trucking. George enjoyed the freedom trucking provided him to be able to travel and see the country.
George retired from trucking and was able to assist his daughter Ann with her campground business where he enjoyed helping her and her children with the in’s and out’s of campground life. He was also able to assist his son George Jr. with his own business, Georges Eagle’s Nest, and he would eventually inherit the bar to continue on George Jr.s dream. George Sr. found great joy in watching his children's dreams come to fruition and enjoyed being there to support them both while he was able.
George enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and found joy in bird watching, reading, gardening, spending time with friends, but his true passion was fishing. He would often take fishing trips with friends and family to Ontario, Canada to enjoy the peace and wildlife, and the Canadian JP Wiser's Whisky. George had a gift for always finding the hot spot for the fish. You definitely wanted to be in his boat. A seat in his boat was always available for anyone who wanted it.
George will be greeted in heaven by his parents Harold and Alice Retzaff, as well as his son George Retzlaff Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Retzlaff and Rebecca Retzlaff, his bonus son Robert Bowman and wife Sue; his sister Barbara (Retzlaff) Flick, brother Dave Retzlaff and sister-in-law Sherry (Hahn) Retzlaff, and; as well as his 5 grandchildren, Cohlmann Hinz, Lilly (Hinz) Glasrud, Ian Rigsby, Rhianna Rigsby, and Gavann Rigsby, and 3 great grandchildren, in addition to many, many friends and extended family.
As per George’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In its place, a celebration of life will be held at a later date, invitations will be sent accordingly. No gifts or flowers are required in George’s memory, but if you would like to honor his memory, please take a child fishing, or go fishing yourself if you are able, or contribute to the preservation of wildlife and wild places.
