Jack D. Retzlaff

When Jack Retzlaff was around, one could always count on having an intelligent conversation on any number of topics, although political and current events were among his most favorite topics.

The decade of the 1930s was predominantly defined by the Great Depression. It was in 1932 that the unemployed in America reached 13 million while those who were working earned 60 percent less than they had in 1929. There were glimmers of hope here and there, however, such as in the family of Max and Ruby Retzlaff as they welcomed the birth of their son, Jack, on April 9, 1932. Jack was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the only child in his family. He attended schools in Milwaukee.

Although Jack never completed his formal education, his life was a continual quest for knowledge. He was always well versed on current issues on both a local and national level, and he gleaned much of his information by reading. Jack read newspapers and books and also received a lot of information by listening to the radio. If there was ever an issue with which he was unfamiliar, he would research it so that the next time that particular issue arose he was more than ready to talk about it. Jack regularly commented on political elections and knew each candidate and what position they were taking on various issues.

Over the years, Jack kept busy in a variety of ways. He was hired at American Motors on March 24, 1952, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring on October 1, 1982. Jack was also a proud member of UAW Local 75. He enjoyed watching old movies and not surprisingly, he also became educated about the movies he liked. Jack always knew who starred in the movies he watched. He liked Brewers baseball and an occasional trip to the casino. Jack was a caring and thoughtful friend to many throughout his life, especially Nicholas Romano and the other members of the local UAW. He was raised in a Lutheran home although he did not attend church.

Jack Retzlaff was a loyal friend who had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He showed great determination in whatever he was doing and was always thoughtful of others. Jack will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Jack D. Retzlaff died on Monday, May 3, 2010. Services will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service. Private interment Wisconsin Memorial Park. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.