Walter Eugene Retzlaff - June 6, 1955-August 19, 2021

Walter Eugene Retzlaff
Age 66
Manhattan, KS

Father: Albert Henry Retzlaff
Mother: Beverly Louise (Kuecker) Retzlaff

Education:
Graduated from Cary-Grove Highschool in Cary, IL in 1973. Continued education at McHenry Community College where he received two Associate Degrees along with being named in the Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges for the 1978-1979 school year.

He married Julie Dvorak in 1985 and from that union he had two sons, Robert and Kenneth Retzlaff. In 2004 he married Cindy (Lucinda) DeWitt and gained two step-sons, Jeremy and Justin DeWitt.

He was employed by John Crane, Inc. for 20 plus years where he reached the status of Plant Manager for the Crystal Lake, IL division. He was then employed by the Auth-Florence Corporation, in Glenndale Heights, IL as Plant Manager and was relocated to Manhattan, KS.

He began playing guitar and singing at a young age and was in numerous bands throughout his life. His life was filled with love for his wife, family and his genuine love of music.

Predeceased by:
Father, Albert, mother Beverly and niece, Jody Retzlaff.

Survivors include:

Wife, Cindy (Lucinda) Retzlaff of Manhattan, KS; son Robert (Rachel Robey) Retzlaff of Leoplolis, WI; son Kenneth (Ni Putu Ayu-Rina) Retzlaff of Manhattan, KS; stepsons Jeremy DeWitt of Norfolk, NE and Justin DeWitt of Stanton, NE; brothers Albert (Nancy) Retzlaff of Kingman, AZ; John (Lori) Retzlaff of Woodstock, IL; Roger (Janice) Retzlaff of Richmond, IL and William Retzlaff of McHenry, IL. Sisters Rita (Mark) Smith of Tullahoma, TN and Bette Mueller of Woodstock, IL; six grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews.

The family is planning an outdoor celebration of Walter’s life filled with music and memories and will notify his family and friends when we have the details.