Emil Retzlaff

Emil Fredrick Retzlaff, 94, Ellendale, ND died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale, ND. He was born September 12, 1918 to Carl August Retzlaff and Alma Elizabeth Wilhelmina (Kalbus) Retzlaff on the family farm in Albion Township, 9 ½ miles northwest of Ellendale. He was baptized on November 28, 1918 at Peace Lutheran in Merricourt, ND and confirmed on July 30, 1933 at Christ Lutheran Church in Albion Township. Emil grew up on the family farm, attended rural school at Albion Township School #1 and also took courses in farming/bookkeeping as well as mechanics/welding at State Normal and Industrial College, Ellendale. Emil was joined in marriage June 2, 1942 to Lois Evelyn Rollo on the family farm. They lived with Emil’s parents for one year until they moved to a farmstead one mile east where lived and farmed full time until spring of 1981. After semi-retiring and moving into Ellendale, he continued to farm until 2007. He was an active member of Christ and later Zion Lutheran churches where he held various offices, was an assessor for several years, a member of the rural school board and hospital board and a township officer. He also enjoyed working and supporting the Republican party. Emil loved boating as a young man, hunting pheasants and deer, shooting gophers, attending card parties in the winter and 4th of July gatherings in the summer. He enjoyed travelling and spending time with his family. He is survived by four sons: Ed (Dianna) Retzlaff, Friendswood, TX, Ray (Earlene) Huron, SD, Ken Retzlaff, Ellendale, ND, Warren (Anne) Retzlaff, Wahpeton, ND; one daughter: Dorothy (Alan) Werth, Wahpeton, ND; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lois, brother, Carl and son, James. The funeral is 11am Wednesday, November 28 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Alan R. Werth officiating. Visitation is 4-7pm Tuesday with a prayer service at 7pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial is at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, SD. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.