Obituary for Earl A. Retzlaff Earl A. Retzlaff, age 80, of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, July 9, 2018. Earl is survived by his loving wife Jean of 40 years; his children Tami Retzlaff Malina, Bradley Defries, William Defries; his grandchildren Victoria, Amanda, Rebecca, Mary, Morgan, Shannon, Karly and Devin; his brother Glenn (Susan) Retzlaff; nieces, nephews and many friends. Earl is preceded in death by his parents William and Geraldine Retzlaff, his brother Dale Retzlaff and his nephew Daniel Retzlaff.
Earl was born in Milwaukee, he attended to Milwaukee Lutheran High School and spent summers at his grandparents house on Okauchee Lake. Earl and his wife Jean lived on Okauchee Lake for over 40 years. Earl joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1956 and worked for the National Guard full time as Motor Sergeant until 1968; he then went to work for Kethley Auto Salvage.
In 1979 Earl went into a partnership owning and operating Brookfield Kawasaki. In 1984 he started Retzlaff Marine in Oconomowoc until retirement in 2003. Earl was a member of the Okauchee Lake Yacht Club and the American Legion Post 399 in Okauchee.
Earl served as president of the Congregational Council of Lord of Life for 7 years. He was also a member of the Century Boat Club. In his early years Earl did a lot of hunting.
He was an avid car and hot rod enthusiast, as a teenager he belonged to the “Cams n’ Jammers” hot rod club; flew airplanes, right seat to his boss Alvin Kethley. Owned and rode motorcycles and took snowmobiling trips to St. Germain and the surrounding areas. Earl had many boats including his pride and joy, the 1957 Century Coronado, named the “Queen Mary”.
His love for music led to a lifelong hobby, getting involved with stereo and recording systems. He played by ear as well as reading music. He had many different organs, an accordion, concertinas and keyboards over the years.
He loved to play his Kawai piano and often played at church before and after service. There have been so many wonderful things in his life that he thanks the Lord for. A visitation for Earl will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (N60W35980 Lake Dr, Oconomowoc) on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 12:30 pm until time of service at 2:30 pm.
Burial will take place at the Town of Oconomowoc Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc in memory of Earl. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at ProHealth Care Hospice and to Bonnie for the loving care shown to Earl and the family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Earl A. Retzlaff please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUL 21. 12:30 PM – 02:30 PM Lord of Life Lutheran Church N60W35980 Lake Drive Oconomowoc, WI, US, 53066 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Earl’s Visitation begins.
Funeral 2018 JUL 21. 02:30 PM Lord of Life Lutheran Church N60W35980 Lake Drive Oconomowoc, WI, US, 53066 Order Flowers for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before Earl’s Funeral Service begins.
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