Gordon J Retzloff
Gordon James Retzloff age 91 of Menomonie
Died: Wednesday September 24, 2008 at the Dunn County Health Care Center in Menomonie.
Gordon was born December 14, 1916 to Fred and Bessie (White) Retzloff of rural Menomonie. He was raised on the family farm and attended Roach rural school, Menomonie High School and Dunn County Normal. After graduation, he became a parts man for Berg Chevrolet in Menomonie and dealerships in Black River Falls, Marinette, and later in a Milwaukee Dealership where he was a parts manager. This led to his going into business with Ralph Ryder, a dealership that sold Ford tractors, Surge dairy equipment, and Studebaker and Packard cars. He married Ann Cassellius, of Menomonie on November 30, 1940. When WW II began, Gordon enlisted and worked as an Army ordinance person, serving in France, Belgium and Germany. Upon leaving the military in 1945 as a Sargeant, he rejoined Retzloff and Ryder where he served the community of Menomonie and surrounding areas until 1973.
Gordon loved to bowl and fish as well as travel. After retiring, he and Ann wintered in Florida for many years. Gordon was a member and past president of both Menomonie Lions Club and Menomonie Chamber of Commerce.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Ann; two nieces, Donna Price of Menomonie; Mary McNaulty of Stuart, FL; a sister-in-law, Ruby Retzloff of Menomonie and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as his many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother Fred Retzloff Jr.; three sisters, Mabel Schaaf, Helen Wagner, and Mildred Klosowski.