Eugene "Gene" F. Retzer

Eugene "Gene" Retzer. 91, died peacefully on May 20, 2023 with family at his side. He was a beloved husband to Nona (Goble) Retzer, father to Michael (Karen) Retzer and Susan (Mark) Wisthuff, grandfather to Rachel (Sam Bean) Wisthuff and David (Molly) Wisthuff, and great grandfather to Elise.

Gene was born in Kampsville, IL in 1931, the 12th of 13 children, to Otto and Katherine Retzer. Gene helped his family on the farm until joining the Marine Corps in 1952, where he served as a court reporter. After leaving the military, he met and married Nona in 1955, and they settled in Peoria.

Gene achieved a degree in Accounting from Bradley University; worked for and then joined Joe Speck as a partner in his firm. After Joe retired in 1982, the practice became incorporated as Retzer, Gerber, and Associates. Gene worked for many years, truly enjoying the people he met through his business associations, and he and Nona were able to generously support local and regional institutions

Dad loved his work, but he also loved fishing, the Packers, singing, a reasonably priced cigar, the St Louis Cardinals, hiking the hollows around the home farm, and a good cabernet. But most of all Dad loved his family. Rest well, Dad.

Services will be private. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease.

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.