William John Retzke, beloved son, father, and resident of Tucker, GA passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2020 at the age of 56 years old.
Bill is survived by his daughter Stephanie Retzke, his son Thomas A. Retzke, his father Thomas H. Retzke, his brother Jim Retzke (Gigie), his sister Paula Keller (Chad), his sister Michelle Spaulding (Mark), his aunt Betty Retzke, his aunt Alice Dreilinger, his Uncle Jack Vernon, his cousin Joanne Harrison (Jon), his cousin Laura Scott (David), his cousin Linda Mckay (Daniel), as well as his nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Alfreda Retzke, his grandmother Hildegarde Retzke, his grandfather John Retzke, his grandmother Jeanne Kaczanowski, his grandfather John Kaczanowski, his uncle James P. Retzke, and his uncle Bill Retzke.
Bill was born at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, IL on November 22, 1963 to Thomas and Alfreda Retzke. He was a fast talking child who loved to have fun. He spent his days playing little league sports, catching bugs, salamanders and fish with his older brother Jim, and watching Saturday morning cartoons with his sisters. He was a running back on the JV and Varsity football team at Prospect High School and graduated in June of 1981. Bill continued his education and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1989 with a B.B.A. in Marketing. He was a natural born salesman and won many awards throughout his career in the areas of retail management, telecom and auto sales. His genuine, likeable, easy-going personality made it easy for him to succeed with customers and his co-workers.
If you knew Bill, then you knew about his passion for music that began in his early days. He loved music period. He loved listening to Led Zepplin in the basement with his friends, he loved going to concerts, he loved watching music videos, and he especially loved playing both the electric and classical guitar. The guitar was his passion. Bill would often walk around the house with guitar in hand and play music while watching a movie or talking; eager to show how fast he could play some really difficult songs and riffs. His skill was simply amazing.
Bill considered being the father of his beloved children Stephanie and Thomas the best part of his life. He simply loved being their dad. They enjoyed many activities together such as bowling, playing arcade games including the claw game with prizes, visiting the zoo, going to the movies, watching Batman and Star Wars movies, fishing, and hanging out and cooking for friends and family. He was so proud of his daughter Stephanie when she received her masters’ degree in Computer Science from college. He seemed as if he would burst at the seams with joy. Likewise, he was so proud of Thomas when he graduated from high school, enrolled in college, and developed his own comic books. He was excited to see where their lives and their passions would lead them.
Friends and family describe Bill as a wild, free-spirited, musical, generous and kind person with a heart of gold. He always said he was going to be young forever and being old is a mindset. He never wanted to retire and always stay working. He was a dreamer; always thinking of the next big thing, making travel plans, and buying lottery tickets. He was quick-witted and funny, saying things to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a service and celebration of life will be determined at a later date when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a college fund for his son Thomas Retzke.
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