Joan June Retzlaff

Joan June Retzlaff, 83, of Longmont, Colorado, died Monday, June 29, 2009, at Beatrice Hover Care Center in Longmont. Joan was born June 5, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George and Nellie (Donnelly) Claus. On October 9, 1948, she married Robert F. Retzlaff in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Joan was a mother, first and foremost. She jokingly shared that she had one in her arms, one on her hip, and one pulling at her leg, as she had her six children over a span of 10 years. As soon as school was out, the family would move to their summer lake house where she was the matriarch of fun at Lake Denoon. An extraordinary cook, she prepared meals for at least ten every night, anticipating neighborhood friends. Joan always enjoyed entertaining, whether it was for a business or social event. She was an avid curler, participating in the sport for numerous years. In addition, she was a skilled bridge player.Survivors include her sons, Ron Retzlaff of Longmont, and James Retzlaff of Rochester, Wisconsin; daughters, Susan Rilling of Longmont, Barbara Retzlaff (Bryan Albright) of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Elizabeth French (Larrick) of Longmont; and daughter-in-law, Debbie King of Venice, Florida. Four grandchildren, Daniel and Doug Rilling, Travis Retzlaff, and Sam Vogt further survive Joan.Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert F. Retzlaff, and a son, Robert ""Bert"" Retzlaff.Funeral services and entombment will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009, in Chapel of the Chimes at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to a 2:00 p.m. service. Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services of Longmont is handling local arrangements.Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026, or to the American Cancer Society, Wisconsin Chapter, 8317 Elderberry Rd., Madison, WI 53717.