Gary Lee Retzlaff, 71, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by family, due to health complications on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Shawano.
Gary was born Dec. 30, 1953, to the late Roland (Butch) and Betty (Werbelow) Retzlaff. Born and raised in Belle Plaine, Gary was a lifetime member of St. Martin Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine where he was baptized and confirmed his faith. On July 23, 1977, Gary was united in marriage to Patty Gosz.
Gary was proud to be a fifth generation farmer on the family homestead. He also worked at Bakke’s Feed and Seed in Shawano for a short time. In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling and church dartball.
After retiring from farming, Gary spent time providing transportation to his newfound family in Bonduel — the Amish.
Gary treasured his grandkids more than anything. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing and attending sporting events, putting puzzles together and talking hunting, pigs, cows and chickens. If Gary was not driving the Amish friends, he could be found playing cribbage or sheepshead around the area with many friends.
For 30 years, Gary would spend almost every Saturday night working at the Shawano racetrack.
He was a lifetime member of Shawano Ag Society, dedicating many hours to the world’s fair.
Gary was known as “father” to many of his son’s friends who learned life lessons on the farm.
With his quick wit, Gary always had a smart comment or comeback for any conversation.
Gary is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patty; sons and spouses, Nathan and Tajia Retzlaff, Luke and Kristen Retzlaff, and Aaron (Pudge) and Bonnie Retzlaff; eight grandchildren, Raymond, Oliver, Morgan, Carson, Charlotte, Christian, Emerson and Autumn; brother, Brian (Brenda Wendler) Retzlaff; brother-in-law, John Blasczyk; aunt and godmother, Joyce Wockenfus; sisters-in-law, Peggy Garefino and Ann (Walt) Pretzel; and nephew and niece, Alex and Ava Retzlaff.
He is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Roland (Butch) and Betty; sister, Connie Retzlaff; nephew, Andrew Retzlaff; and brothers-in-law, Bill (Kim) Gosz, Charlie Garefino and Dean Gatz.
A funeral service for Gary will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine with Pastor Kurt Kluge officiating. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. and again on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the church cemetery following services.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
