Robert “Packer Bob” G. Retzlaff, 68, of Valley Junction, died October 7, 2017 at his home.
He was born May 18, 1949 to George and Evelyn (Budtke) Retzlaff. He was a member of the New London Washington High School Graduating Class of 1968. Bob served his country for 22 years at various locations; home and abroad. Beginning with Vietnam and ending with Desert Storm. He retired from military service in 1991. He was united in marriage to Mary Elliott on December 28, 1968. She preceded him in death on February 9, 2003. He was united in marriage to Maren Howard on August 5, 2006 at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church. He received his Bachelors in Business. He was a faithful member of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, he served as a Monroe County Board Supervisor for 13 years, and was a member of the Warrens VFW. He enjoyed hunting, his horses and buggy, and trips to his Cabin in Armstrong Creek. He had a great love for the Green Bay Packers, and was well known as Packer Bob; each year he would make the trip with his horse and buggy to Lambeau Field for Opening Day of the Football Season. For every Packers Game he would have his Touchdown Cheese, his 3 Point Sausage, and his Defense Cheese. He had a gregarious undaunted personality. His love was God, Country, Packers and Polka. He lived by the motto Duty, Duty, must be done, the rule applies to everyone. Bob was a devoted husband, and a loving father, Opa, step-dad, and brother.
He is survived by his wife Maren of Valley Junction, three children, Robert Jr. (Deanna) of West Moorland, KS; Robin Retzlaff of Menasha, Rebecca (Ricky) Utley of Hopkinsville, KY; two step-daughters, Jessica (Kale) Winchel of Hillsboro, and Tekla Francis of CA; his grandchildren, Abigail and Elle Retzlaff, Elizabeth (Kevin) Caldwell of Oshkosh, Kasey Jahsman and Rymer Jahsman, Stacey (Marshel) Austin of Hopkinsville, KY; Ricky Utley Jr. of Hopkinsville, Tyler Winchel of Hillsboro; brothers and sisters: Gene Retzlaff, Carol Longworth, Marilyn Sawall, Janice (Ronald) Suprise, Betty Manley, Roger (Deanne “Bubs”) Retzlaff, Peggy (Dow) Miller, Sherry (Lyle) Fietzer, Debra (Jim) Olesen, Sue (Timothy) Bohr, Randy (Ingrid) Retzlaff, and Gary Retzlaff; a brother-in-law David Waterstradt, a goddaughter Zahara Retzlaff, many other nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. In addition to his first wife he was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Sandra Retzlaff and Barbara Waterstradt; two brothers, Richard and Billy Retzlaff; two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Retzlaff and Cathy Retzlaff.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 11 a.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 21693 County Hwy A, Tomah. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah, and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will at 11 a.m. October 12, 2017, at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Appleton. Online condolences may sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com