Fred W. Retzlaff, 87, of Lincoln and formerly of Aberdeen, died Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at CountryHouse Residence in Lincoln, NE. At Fred’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at Elm Lake, SD, at a later date.
Fred W. Retzlaff was born January 17, 1930, to Fred E. and Ella (Handke) Retzlaff on a farm near Ellendale, ND. After graduating from Ellendale High School, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, and a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Fred taught junior high social studies for nearly 30 years, at Aberdeen’s Holgate, Monroe and Simmons Junior Highs. He also taught in Harvey, ND, and Watertown, SD. Additionally, he coached a variety of sports.
A nature lover throughout his life, Fred spent days gardening, landscaping and grooming his two rural properties near Aberdeen and Forbes, ND. He also perfected the art of making concrete statuary and patios; he even built a swimming pool with the help of mostly family. Fred was a student of world cultures and those close to home, especially the plight of Native Americans. He was well-traveled across the United States and worldwide, including favorites: Fiji, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Dauphin Island, AK, and the canyon-area Utah National Parks. But Fred, a political and news “junkie,” always loved returning home to the Dakotas and visits from his loving family and dear friends.
Fred’s four children were welcomed during his marriage to Lois Griffin. Survivors include, daughters: Roseann (Alan) Christensen, Lincoln, NE, Renee (Bruce) Poe, Boise, Idaho; and sons: Rory (Kristin) Retzlaff, Kirkland, WA, and Robin (Kanlaya) Retzlaff, Aberdeen and Ban Prasat, Thailand. Also celebrating his life are his brother Palmer “Pete” (Patty) Retzlaff, Gilbertsville, PA, and sister Joan (Harold) Witte, Palm Springs, CA; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Arlene Johnson.
Fred W. Retzlaff was born January 17, 1930, to Fred E. and Ella (Handke) Retzlaff on a farm near Ellendale, ND. After graduating from Ellendale High School, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, and a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Fred taught junior high social studies for nearly 30 years, at Aberdeen’s Holgate, Monroe and Simmons Junior Highs. He also taught in Harvey, ND, and Watertown, SD. Additionally, he coached a variety of sports.
A nature lover throughout his life, Fred spent days gardening, landscaping and grooming his two rural properties near Aberdeen and Forbes, ND. He also perfected the art of making concrete statuary and patios; he even built a swimming pool with the help of mostly family. Fred was a student of world cultures and those close to home, especially the plight of Native Americans. He was well-traveled across the United States and worldwide, including favorites: Fiji, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Dauphin Island, AK, and the canyon-area Utah National Parks. But Fred, a political and news “junkie,” always loved returning home to the Dakotas and visits from his loving family and dear friends.
Fred’s four children were welcomed during his marriage to Lois Griffin. Survivors include, daughters: Roseann (Alan) Christensen, Lincoln, NE, Renee (Bruce) Poe, Boise, Idaho; and sons: Rory (Kristin) Retzlaff, Kirkland, WA, and Robin (Kanlaya) Retzlaff, Aberdeen and Ban Prasat, Thailand. Also celebrating his life are his brother Palmer “Pete” (Patty) Retzlaff, Gilbertsville, PA, and sister Joan (Harold) Witte, Palm Springs, CA; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Arlene Johnson.
Fred W. Retzlaff, 87, of Lincoln and formerly of Aberdeen, died Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at CountryHouse Residence in Lincoln, NE. At Fred’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at Elm Lake, SD, at a later date.
Fred W. Retzlaff was born January 17, 1930, to Fred E. and Ella (Handke) Retzlaff on a farm near Ellendale, ND. After graduating from Ellendale High School, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, and a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Fred taught junior high social studies for nearly 30 years, at Aberdeen’s Holgate, Monroe and Simmons Junior Highs. He also taught in Harvey, ND, and Watertown, SD. Additionally, he coached a variety of sports.
A nature lover throughout his life, Fred spent days gardening, landscaping and grooming his two rural properties near Aberdeen and Forbes, ND. He also perfected the art of making concrete statuary and patios; he even built a swimming pool with the help of mostly family. Fred was a student of world cultures and those close to home, especially the plight of Native Americans. He was well-traveled across the United States and worldwide, including favorites: Fiji, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Dauphin Island, AK, and the canyon-area Utah National Parks. But Fred, a political and news “junkie,” always loved returning home to the Dakotas and visits from his loving family and dear friends.
Fred’s four children were welcomed during his marriage to Lois Griffin. Survivors include, daughters: Roseann (Alan) Christensen, Lincoln, NE, Renee (Bruce) Poe, Boise, Idaho; and sons: Rory (Kristin) Retzlaff, Kirkland, WA, and Robin (Kanlaya) Retzlaff, Aberdeen and Ban Prasat, Thailand. Also celebrating his life are his brother Palmer “Pete” (Patty) Retzlaff, Gilbertsville, PA, and sister Joan (Harold) Witte, Palm Springs, CA; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Arlene Johnson.
Fred W. Retzlaff was born January 17, 1930, to Fred E. and Ella (Handke) Retzlaff on a farm near Ellendale, ND. After graduating from Ellendale High School, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, and a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Fred taught junior high social studies for nearly 30 years, at Aberdeen’s Holgate, Monroe and Simmons Junior Highs. He also taught in Harvey, ND, and Watertown, SD. Additionally, he coached a variety of sports.
A nature lover throughout his life, Fred spent days gardening, landscaping and grooming his two rural properties near Aberdeen and Forbes, ND. He also perfected the art of making concrete statuary and patios; he even built a swimming pool with the help of mostly family. Fred was a student of world cultures and those close to home, especially the plight of Native Americans. He was well-traveled across the United States and worldwide, including favorites: Fiji, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Dauphin Island, AK, and the canyon-area Utah National Parks. But Fred, a political and news “junkie,” always loved returning home to the Dakotas and visits from his loving family and dear friends.
Fred’s four children were welcomed during his marriage to Lois Griffin. Survivors include, daughters: Roseann (Alan) Christensen, Lincoln, NE, Renee (Bruce) Poe, Boise, Idaho; and sons: Rory (Kristin) Retzlaff, Kirkland, WA, and Robin (Kanlaya) Retzlaff, Aberdeen and Ban Prasat, Thailand. Also celebrating his life are his brother Palmer “Pete” (Patty) Retzlaff, Gilbertsville, PA, and sister Joan (Harold) Witte, Palm Springs, CA; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Arlene Johnson.
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