Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Clair A. Retzlaff, age 93, of Omro was called to his heavenly home on Monday, March 10, 2025. He was born on September 5, 1931, in the city of Oshkosh, the 3rd of 6 children, to the late Max and Stella (Pohlman) Retzlaff. Clair was baptized, confirmed, and married at Grace Lutheran Church in Omro where he remained a member for his entire life. His faith was important to him as he rarely missed a Sunday service and was truly a great role model for his family. Clair graduated from Omro High School in 1950. He was a good athlete and enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he immediately pursued his life-long passion of being a dairy farmer. On June 27, 1953, Clair married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Kratz. Together they purchased his family farm and raised their five children. Clair enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing and spending time with family and friends. He loved people and had a great knack for carrying on a conversation with anyone he met.
Family was very important to Clair and he is survived by: children, Deborah (Dennis) Springborn, of Oshkosh; Dennis (Donna) Retzlaff, of Omro; Steve (Juli) Retzlaff, of Oshkosh; Brian (Tricia) Retzlaff, of Omro; grandchildren, Kevin (Miranda Cullins) Springborn, Jason (Becky) Springborn, Sarah (Tanner) Niemuth, Joanna (Travis) Neuman, Christina (Ben) Giese, Daniel Retzlaff, Kyle (Meaghan) Retzlaff, Brady (Marissa) Retzlaff, Preston Retzlaff, Peyton (Annah Chriske) Retzlaff, Camden Retzlaff, Brenden Retzlaff (Madeline); great-grandchildren, Clara, Jackson, Natalie, Kendall, Kelsey, Olivia, Gavin, Brielle, Gracie, Callie, Sadie, Maya, Alaila; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy (Merlynn) Lovell, sister-in-law, Margaret Retzlaff; and other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, Clair was also preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years, Ruth; a son, Neil Retzlaff; a great-grandson, Aiden Springborn; sister, brothers, sisters-in-laws, and brothers-in-laws, Charles (Phyllis) Retzlaff, Lyle Retzlaff, Orin (Marian) Retzlaff, Grace (Joe) Vowels, Louise (Clarence) Wright, Esther (Ray) Marks, Helen (Clarence “Bud”) Lee, Louis Kratz, Marie (Richard) Derber, and Lorraine (Norman) Schneiter.
The family would like to thank the staff at Webster Manor, “his girls” for the wonderful care and compassion shown to our father in his final three years.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave. in Omro from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Wenzel officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, town of Poygan.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Grace Lutheran Church will be established in Clair’s name.
Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.
Donald Davis wrote on March 17, 2025
My condolences. I'm not in Wisconsin at this time to be there in your loss. Clair was a good friend your family is in my heart.
Carol Carpenter Parshall wrote on March 15, 2025
My sympathy to the Retzlaff family. Your dad was a nice man. I'm unable to attend the visitation or service, but you will be in my thoughts.
Mary Oleson & Andrew Oleson wrote on March 14, 2025
Our prayers go out to the entire Retzlaff family. So many memories with everyone. Due to a previous commitment we are unable to be with you.
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