Virginia “Ginny” C. Retzlaff

Obituary

Virginia “Ginny” Clara Retzlaff was born on November 20, 1939, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Martin and Clara (Schulte) Joecks. Ginny was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota. She received her education at District 55 in Cedar Mills Township, then attended St. John’s Lutheran Church Parochial School until 8th grade, before attending 9th grade at Hutchinson High School District 423.

On October 1, 1955, Ginny was united in marriage to Daniel “Shorty” Retzlaff at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Cindy, Debra, and Connie. Ginny and Daniel resided in the Corvuso, Cosmos, and Hutchinson, Minnesota, area, before making their retirement home on Lake MinnieBelle, Litchfield, Minnesota. She later moved into Prince of Peace in the city of Hutchinson, before living with her daughter, Connie, during her final years. Ginny and Daniel shared 46 years of marriage prior to the passing of Daniel on April 30, 2002.

Ginny was employed as the Housekeeping Supervisor at Burns Manor Nursing Home prior to it becoming Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson. She also enjoyed four years working at the Minnesota State Fair at the Mexican Hat Food Stand. Ginny retired in 2001. Ginny was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Ginny enjoyed dancing, bingo, embroidery, and playing cards. She was an excellent cook and took pride that no one ever left the table hungry. Ginny will always be remembered for her love of her family, grandchildren, sense of humor and hard work. She cherished spending time with her family and friends.

Ginny passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her home in Hutchinson, at the age of 85, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Blessed be her memory.

Ginny is survived by her:
Daughters, Cindy Retzlaff of Hutchinson, MN,
Debra Hatlestad and her husband, Kirk of Litchfield, MN,
Connie Runke and her husband, Mark of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Sybil Jennings and her husband, John Thomas of Hutchinson, MN,
Rachel Fratzke of Hutchinson, MN,
Jason Fratzke and his wife, Steffanie of Gilroy, CA,
Tony Fratzke and his wife, Danielle of Dassel, MN,
Kyler Hatlestad of Wisconsin,
Carter Hatlestad of Louisianna;
Matthew Runke and his wife, Lindsay of Hutchinson, MN,
Lucas Runke and his wife, Annie of Kimball, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Kelsey (Rhys) Leroux, John David Jennings, Brady Meyer (fiancée, Mariah Hoff), Bella (Jake) Jones, Cooper Christensen, Emma Fratzke, Evelyn Fratzke, Brody Fratzke, Cael Fratzke, June Fratzke, Will Fratzke, Jack Fratzke, Josh Wagner, Charlie Foye, Noah Runke, Becky (Isaiah) Ehlinger, Zack Holtz (fiancée, Jordan Schultz), Carter Holtz;
Great-great-grandchildren, Stella Ehlinger, Patrick Ehlinger, Carson Ehlinger;
Sisters, Shirley Slater-Schulte of Dayton, MN,
Betty Stirzl and her husband, Skip of Osakis, MN;
Sister-in-law, Bernice Retzlaff of Cosmos, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Ginny is preceded in death by her Parents, Martin and Clara Joecks; Husband, Daniel Retzlaff; Uncle, Walter Retzlaff; Brothers-in-law, Ervin (Florence) Retzlaff, Elmer Retzlaff, George Retzlaff, Alvin Retzlaff, Milan (Arlene) Retzlaff, Ray Schulte, Donald Slater, Jerry Anderson; Sister-in-law, Dorothy (Kenneth) Konietzko.