Ronald Retzlaff
Ronald G. Retzlaff, 75, of Eau Claire. passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at Dove Healthcare West, Eau Claire.
Ronald was born Oct. 1, 1941, in Grand Forks, N.D., to Gordon F. and Emma L. (Larson) Retzlaff. He was baptized on Nov. 2, 1941, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. He was confirmed on Aug. 26, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mondovi. Ronald graduated from Mondovi High School in 1960. Upon his graduation, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC) in the pre-dental program. In 1963, he was accepted into the Marquette University School of Dentistry. On June 4, 1967, he graduated from Marquette and enlisted in the United States Air Force Dental Corp on Sept. 8, 1967. Ronald proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force with the 811th Medical Group and was stationed at Loring Air Force Base near Limestone, Maine. Ronald was honorably discharged in 1969. Following his discharge, Ron continued being a dentist and was involved in private practices in Rice Lake, Wis., Torrington, Ct., and Madison, Wis. In 1971, Ron moved to Eau Claire and took a position with Hillside Dentist. Five years later, he started his own private practice in the London Square Mall Bank building. He later purchased the Stucky Chiropractic office on Lexington Blvd., in Eau Claire, where he continued his practice until his retirement, due to his father’s deteriorating health in 1988. He continued as a caregiver for his father for 12 years and then his mother for 16 years, until her death in 2008.
Ronald enjoyed walking, baking, golfing, hunting and fishing with his father and brother-in-law, Al, on the Brule River and later salmon fishing on Lake Superior. He really enjoyed baking breads and cookies for his mother. Ronald also played on the UWEC golf team while attending school.
Ronald joined Trinity Lutheran Church, in Eau Claire, on Oct. 12, 1980. He has been an active member there, volunteering with the Food Pantry and Northwest Synod of Wisconsin’s Lay School of Ministry.
Thank you to the staff of Trinity, especially Pastor Kurt Jacobson, dear friends Erik, Ellen, Luke, Anna Dovre and Nessie for supporting and caring for Ron. Thank you to the Luther Mayo staff and Dr. Chris Roberts and all involved in Ron’s care, locally and at Mayo Rochester. Additional thanks to neighbors, Kim Stien, Richard (Dick) and Marilyn Kock, and the support of the Trinity and University Text Study groups.
Survivors include his sister, Carol (Aleron) Leipnitz of Menomonie; niece, Jennifer (Darrel) Gibson of Hudson; nephew, Dr. Todd (Dana) Leipnitz of Menomonie; great nieces and nephews, Theodore, Madalyn and Corbin Gibson of Hudson, Jack, Olivia and Joseph Leipnitz of Menomonie.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; two great nephews, Luke and Samuel Gibson.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire, with Pastor Peter Bredlau officiating. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery, in Eau Claire, with military honors being rendered by American Legion Post #53.
Ron would like to thank the Staff on the Reflections Wing at Dove Healthcare West and the Mayo Home Health and Hospice Team for their excellent care during his illness.
Memorials may be given in Ronald’s name to Trinity Lutheran Endowment Trust.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, assised the family with the arrangements.
