Robert J. Bretzel

ROBERT J. BRETZEL (Bob) passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2015, at age 66 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bob was born on August 16, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, MO, to Albert Bretzel and Gladys Voy. He graduated from Rockford West High School in 1966. Following his graduation from high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served 2 tours in Vietnam, where he became a POW for 14 days. He served 22 years in the US Army and retired as a Platoon Sergeant, and received the following: Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Good Conduct Medal w/5th Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Service Ribbon-3, Air Assault Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Army Achievement Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Dolores (Vasquez) Bretzel of 43 years. Two daughters, Tracy Carabello, and her husband Chris, Lori Pohlman, and her husband David, and three grandchildren, Brandon Bisson, Bianca Demuesy and Nathaniel Pohlman, all of Colorado Springs, a sister, Mary Lemmons, and her husband Randy of Blountstown, FL, and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to all.

Visitation will be held on Monday at 5 PM, with a rosary to follow at 6 PM, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 5354 US Highway 85. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, at 9 AM, at St Dominic Catholic Church, with full military honors. A reception will follow the service at Knights of Columbus, 567 Marquette Dr., Security, CO