Service Information
George Retzlaff, age 89, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, December 19, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Cosmos, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 P.M., at Dobratz Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
George Carl John Retzlaff was born on March 19, 1935, in Cedar Mills Township, rural Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Otto and Anna (Schlueter) Retzlaff. George was baptized as an infant on March 31, 1935, by Pastor A.C. Krueger at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Mills Township, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 15, 1949, by Pastor Edward Kaiser at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brookfield Township, Minnesota. He received his education through the eighth grade at country school.
On October 18, 1957, George was united in marriage to Carol Ortloff. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Michelle. George resided in Hutchinson all his life.
George was a truck driver for Peterson’s from Cosmos, Minnesota. He was also employed at Ty’s Metaling and Finishing in Hutchinson, Drag Specialty, and New Dimensions, all while farming. George was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
George was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed seasonal camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, gardening and playing with the dogs. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. For many years, if you wanted to find George, he would either be on a lake or somewhere on a pitcher’s mound. He played with many teams over the years competing in both state and local tournaments. George went on to coach his daughter’s softball teams, and loved watching his grandchildren play as well. He was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in 2014.
George passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at the age of 89 years.
Blessed be his memory.
George is survived by his:
Daughters, Lisa Carter and her husband, Dion of Hutchinson, MN,
Michelle Franzeen and her husband, Tim of Buffalo Lake, MN;
Significant Other, Linda Peterson of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Kyle Krattenmaker and his girlfriend, Amanda Haik of Litchfield, MN, Ali (Mitch) Simmons of Darwin, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Lydia and Hunter Simmons of Darwin, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Bernice Retzlaff of Cosmos, MN,
Virginia Retzlaff of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
George is preceded in death by his Parents, Otto and Anna Retzlaff; Siblings, Ervin (Florence) Retzlaff, Dorothy (Ken) Konietzko, Elmer Retzlaff, Milan (Arlene) Retzlaff, Alvin Retzlaff, Daniel Retzlaff.
Carman says
Michelle, Lisa & family sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Sending thoughts, prayers and comfort.
Randy & Jodie Anderson says
Lisa, Dion & Linda
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. He will be missed.
Don Bartels says
Michelle and Lisa; Sending you my sympathy in the loss of your father George. I got to know him well, during my fastpitch softball days, both as an opponent and as a teammate. He was a master when he toed the rubber in a fastpitch game. We had a softball reunion in 2021, which your father attended. I was thrilled to see him there and had a nice conversation with him that day. RIP George and God Bless.
Cindy Karg says
Lisa, Michelle and Family, with sincere sympathy to you all. Hold on to all those wonderful memories! I wish you peace in these coming days.
Judy anderson says
Lisa and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad passing.
Sending hugs and prayers and comfort.
Cindy Haugland says
Lisa and Linda-
Our sympathy to you and your families. Cling to all the past memories to get you through the difficult days ahead.
John and Cindy Haugland
Scot Trongard says
Sympathy to the Retzlaff family. George was amazing, I remember playing in a fast pitch Softball tournament and he was our only pitcher. He pitched a smooth 7 games for our Cosmos Liquors team at the age of 55. Never complained and never wore down. RIP George!
Lori palmer says
Michelle, so sorry to see the passing of your dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Friends,,,, Lori and Jeff
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
Ladies, my sympathies to each of you! And the ice was just getting good this year! Hugs.
Doug and Julie ( Benson) Fett says
Sympathies and prayers for comfort to the Retzlaff family.
Karen Moeller says
I am heartily sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace and comforting memories.
Kevin Hoese says
I batted against George about 10 times when he pitched for the Brownton team. He struck me out every single time.
Mary Gonzales says
Lisa I’m very sorry the loss of your and your families loss of your beloved father. My he rest in peace and may the lord watch over you all!