Butch was born June 2, 1926 in Oconto to the late Herman and Bertha (Deizer) Retzlaff. He married Arlene Lucille Presl on November 17, 1955 in Coleman, She preceded him in death on December 28, 1988. Butch worked for the Wisconsin Telephone Co. for 37 years. Butch served in the Army during W.W.II and had active duty from October 1944 to July 1946. He was a member of First American Lutheran Church, Telephone Pioneers of America, American Legion Post #74, Oconto Golf Club, Oconto Historical Society, and was a Senior Bowler at Oconto Lanes. Butch is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Kelly, Norcross, GA; one brother, Mahlon "Koke" (Betty) Retzlaff, Oconto; one sister, Eileen Retzlaff, Oconto; two grandchildren Emily and John Kelly, many nieces and nephews.
Butch was preceded in death by one brother, Paul "Bong" Retzlaff. The family received relatives and friends at the First American Lutheran Church, Oconto, from 9 to 11 am. Tuesday March 20, 2001. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Richard DeBenedetto officiating and burial at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery. The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, assisting the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.