Ruth Retzlaff, age 86, of Omro, died Monday, June 25, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. She was born September 27, 1931, in the town of Rushford, the 7th of 8 children, to the late John and Bertha (Pollex) Kratz. Ruth was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church near Borth. She attended grade school at Liberty Grade School and was the Salutatorian of her 1949 Omro High School class. On June 27, 1953, Ruth married Clair Retzlaff at Grace Lutheran Church, Omro. For many years Ruth was a Poygan Go-Getters 4-H leader, which brought her opportunities to travel as well as host children from out of state. Since marriage, Ruth has been a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Omro, and had taught Sunday school and was involved in Ladies Aid. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters, especially smear for nickels, bird watching, nature, cooking family meals, and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Family was very important to Ruth and she is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Clair Retzlaff, of Omro; children, Deborah (Dennis) Springborn, of Oshkosh; Dennis (Donna) Retzlaff, of Omro; Steve (Juli) Retzlaff, of Oshkosh; Brian (Tricia) Retzlaff, of Omro; grandchildren, Kevin Springborn (special friend, Miranda Cullins), Jason (Becky) Springborn, Sarah Springborn, Joanna (Travis) Neuman, Christina (Ben) Giese, Daniel Retzlaff, Kyle (Meaghan) Retzlaff, Brady Retzlaff, Preston Retzlaff, Peyton Retzlaff, Camden Retzlaff, Brenden Retzlaff; great-grandchildren, Clara, Kendall, Olivia, Jackson; brother-in-law, Ray Marks; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Merlynn) Lovell, Grace Vowels, Phyllis Retzlaff, Margaret Retzlaff; and other relatives and friends.
Along with her parents, Ruth was also preceded in death by a son, Neil Retzlaff; sisters, brother, and brothers-in-law, Louise (Clarence) Wright, Esther Marks, Helen (Clarence "Bud") Lee, Louis Kratz, Marie (Richard) Derber, Lorraine (Norman) Schneiter, Marian (Orin) Retzlaff, Charles Retzlaff, Lyle Retzlaff, and Joe Vowels.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, July 2, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave. Omro and will continue on Tuesday, July 3 at the church from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Richard Bartholomew officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, town of Poygan.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Grace Lutheran Church will be established in Ruth's name.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.