Robert Lee Retzloff

Robert Lee “Bob” Retzloff passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 29th, 2018 after a courageous battle with multiple health issues. The second oldest of five children, Robert was born on May 4th, 1951 in Bremerton, WA to Edmond and Berniece Retzloff. A long time resident of Bremerton, he attended West High School and was a member of the wrestling team, and enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. Robert happily welcomed his first child with Judy Smith, daughter Jodie Lee in 1974. In May of 1980, Robert married the love of his life, Merrilee Dorene Jones. His second daughter, Ranay Marie was born in 1988, and his third daughter, Mary Leanne, arrived in 1990. Although he always joked he wanted a boy, he loved his girls fiercely and was a devoted father.

Bob had many passions in life. In his youth, he earned his marksmanship title for expertise with firearms. He became an avid drag racer in the mid70’s, and continued to race his old VW bug well into the 80’s. He was a skilled mechanic, spending hours working on his beloved 1968 Firebird with his daughter Ranay, and most recently acquiring his dream car – his 1969 VW Beetle convertible, which he worked on with daughter Jodie. Bob was employed at The Muffler Shop on Wycoff, where he honed his welding skills. Along with his brother-in-law John Wiley, he also coached the Thundercats, a local woman’s softball team that his wife, sister-in-law and niece played for. For over a decade, John and Bob helped lead the Thundercats to great success. A true music fan, Bob enjoyed jamming on his Gibson or relaxing with his stereo blasting a variety of music, from The Beatles to Offspring or Tool. For several years, he was an All-Star in his dart league, even teaching his three girls his tricks. In his spare time he dabbled in woodwork, and loved to spend hours playing his Pogo games with his cat, George. Bob was an outstanding freshwater and saltwater fisherman, and anyone that had cast a line with him would have a story by the end of the day. The 4th of July was his favorite holiday, and always orchestrated an elaborate fireworks display for all his friends. Anyone that knew Bob was well aware of his love of frogs, and his collection of frog memorabilia grew to enormous size over the years.

Bob’s wish for a boy was granted when his first grandson, Johnathan Luke was born in 1994, followed by Charles Jack Leroy in 1996, Tristen Thomas-Lee in 2008, Trevor Riley in 2012, and his last grandson, Alexander Coenradt in 2015. His only granddaughter, his princess Elliana Dorene, was born in 2010, and he became a great-grandpa in August of 2017 when great granddaughter Aisley Jade, was born. He was also very excited for the arrival of his first great-grandson, Lincoln Lee, who will be joining the Retzloff family tree in October of 2018. With his larger-than-life personality, knack for mischievousness and willingness to participate in or mastermind pranks and jokes, Bob was also a beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Robert is survived by his mother, Berniece Blees (Motzkus), brother Richard Blees, and sisters, Sharon Kepley (Tom), Donna Lopez and Betty Blees. In addition to his ornery old tabby cat George, he leaves his legacy and willful determination behind in his two daughters, Jodie Retzloff and Ranay Golay (George). Along with his family, Bob leaves behind many life-long friends who he loved very much. Bob was proceeded in death by his father Edmond Retzloff, wife Merrilee Retzloff, youngest daughter Mary Leanne Retzloff, and two distant half-sisters Dolores and Frances.

Public Viewing for Robert “Bob” Retzloff will be held Friday, September 7th 2018 at

Miller Woodlawn Funeral Home from 3pm – 8pm

5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 9th 2018 at

VFW Post 239 starting at 2pm

190 Dora Ave, Bremerton, WA 98312 – Please bring a potluck dish and memories to share!