Elmer Karl Retzlaff

Obituary

     Elmer Karl Retzlaff was born February 14, 1929, in Cedar Mills Township, Meeker County, Minnesota, the son of Otto and Anna (Schlueter) Retzlaff.  He was baptized by Pastor Petzke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills on February 21, 1929, and was confirmed in his faith on May 10, 1942 by Pastor Kaiser at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos.  Elmer attended St. John’s Lutheran School for three years, and finished grade school at District 139 country school in Brookfield Township.  On May 22, 1946, Elmer graduated from the Hutchinson High School.  He worked for his parents until 1950.

     On June 22, 1949, Elmer was united in marriage to Bernice Knoll of Silver Lake in Glencoe, Minnesota.  They lived on a farm by Litchfield for one year before making their home in Cosmos.  Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Elaine and Marie. 

     Elmer was a construction worker.  He worked for J. M. Lietzau for almost 5 years, at the Cosmos Liquor Store for 5 years, Raske Building Systems for almost 14 years, with Miller, Miller & Mac of Hutchinson for 17 years, and for Marvin Degner for 1 year.  He retired on March 1, 1991. 

     Elmer was a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Cosmos most of his life.  He served as a Trustee, Deacon, Vice President, Sunday school teacher, and also as a Luther League sponsor.   He was a member of the Cosmos Fire Department for many years.

     Elmer enjoyed carpentry work.  He built different pieces of furniture, and also made children’s toys.  He liked to go fishing and play cards, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

     On Monday afternoon, October 6, 2014, Elmer passed away at Cedar Crest Estate in Cosmos, having reached the age of 85 years, 7 months, 22 days.  Blessed be his memory.

     Elmer is survived by his:

Wife, Bernice Retzlaff of Cosmos;

Children:  Elaine Simon and her husband Allan of Willmar, and Marie Kutzke and her husband Keith of Hutchinson;

Grandchildren:  Jeffrey Simon, Christopher Simon (Angie), Emily Lee (Nathan), Shari Bryant, and Sandi Lundgren (Tim);  

Great-Grandchildren: Allie and Gage Simon, Clarissa Bryant, and Alissa, Lyndsey, Hannah, and Austin Lundgren;

Brothers:  Milan Retzlaff of Cosmos, Alvin Retzlaff of Cosmos, and George Retzlaff of Hutchinson;

Sisters-in-law: Florence Retzlaff of Cosmos, and Virginia Retzlaff of Litchfield; Nieces, Nephews, other relatives, and friends.

     Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Anna Retzlaff, his son in infancy, brothers Ervin Retzlaff and Daniel Retzlaff, and by his sister Dorothy Konietzko and her husband Kenneth.