Dennis Dean Retzleff

Dennis Dean Retzleff, 63, passed away peacefully at home in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 6, 2025, after a brief and fierce battle with cancer; surrounded by family. Born on December 27, 1961, in Madison, Wisconsin, Dennis made Atlanta his home for the past 35 years, embracing its rhythm and beauty as his own.

He is lovingly remembered by his mother Polly (Tom) Field; father Dean Retzleff; brothers Scott (Geri) Retzleff and Michael (Julie) Field; sister Kimberly (Craig) Lunaas; uncles Mark Ubbesen and Braugeor (Donna) Zeitler; nieces and nephews Heidi Federman, Holly Retzleff, Caitlin Field, Collin Field, Chad (Jaclyn) Lunaas, Carolyn (Drew) Anderson, Jack Lunaas and Becca Moss, Brynn Lunaas and Matt Dillon Lee. Dennis was also a special uncle to Isabella and Nicolas Thompson and Campbell and Beckett Bartlett. Dennis was a proud godfather to Brynn Lunaas and Campbell Bartlett. He was preceded in death by his stepfather Thomas Field, maternal grandparents Paul and Corola Ubbesen, paternal grandparents Elmer and Evelyn Retzleff; aunts Shirley (John) Ferguson, Dolores (Curt) Law, Gail (Ed) Rebedew, Darlene Steffen and uncle Tom Retzleff.

Dennis cultivated a life shaped by grace, artistry, and quiet strength. His home in Morningside was more than a residence—it was a sanctuary. There, koi glided beneath still waters in a garden pond that mirrored the serenity he sought to create. His beloved dogs wandered freely through sunlit rooms filled with curated artwork that reflected his deep sensitivity to beauty and emotion. Each piece he collected told a story—of color meeting form, of soul meeting space.

A visionary in both taste and hospitality, Dennis founded Dennis Dean Catering, one of Atlanta’s premier catering companies. With unwavering passion and precision, he transformed meals into experiences. To Dennis, food was not merely sustenance—it was an expression of care. Every detail mattered: from the perfect garnish to the warmth extended to each guest. Dennis was also able to interweave his company into life events for his many friends, providing amazing dining experiences for his friends while also attending these life events in person.

Perhaps even more enduring than his culinary excellence was his gift for recognizing potential in others. He nurtured talent with humility and trust, building not just a team but a family within his company. In recent years, as he looked toward retirement, Dennis began laying the groundwork to pass ownership of Dennis Dean Catering to his devoted team—a gesture that spoke volumes about the legacy he hoped to leave: one rooted in generosity, mentorship, and shared success. A legacy that will live on.

In December 2023, Dennis traveled abroad to celebrate Christmas in Prague and welcomed the New Year in London alongside family. These final journeys shimmered with joy—testaments to a life lived fully and gratefully. Though future adventures remained unwritten on maps he would never unfold again, Dennis expressed no regrets—only thankfulness for every friendship formed and every moment embraced.

Dennis was very blessed with a close-knit circle of friends who were, in every meaningful way, his chosen family. He held each one of them dear, and deeply valued the love and connection they shared. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him—and may the beauty he created continue to echo gently through all he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Please join us in celebrating the Love, Life and Impact of Dennis Dean!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Dennis's favorite charities. Atlanta Humane Society; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Ronald McDonald House; Piedmont Park Conservancy; Atlanta History Center; or High Museum of Art.