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Katherine Retzer Obituary
of Apopka, Fla.
Katherine (Kate) Lewis Retzer, 89, of Apopka, Fla., with her family at her side and attended by the caring nurses and doctors of Hospice of the Comforter, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Kate was born on August 13, 1919, in East Orange, N.J. She was daughter of the late Thomas and Gertrude Richards. Kate and her husband, Austin, celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on October 12th. They met when they were teenagers, lived and worked together at the family owned and managed resort, Chestnut Lodge, Oquaga Lake, N.Y. For over 75 years, they were inseparable and often said that they were the Great American Love Affair. For 50 years, they spent winters at their home in Vero Beach before moving to the Orlando area in 2002 to be near their daughter, Gail Haack Stentz, and her husband, Ed Stentz, Orlando, Fla., and their granddaughter, Katherine Haack, Apopka, Fla. Kate is also survived by her brother, Thomas C. Richards, Vero Beach, Fla.; her sister, Gertrude "Bee" Decker, Md.; and her son, Raymond R. Retzer, Ga. Family email contact is [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Kate's name to Trinity Choir, Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Avenue, Vero Beach, Fla. 32960, where she sang in the choir for 40 years. No services will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Retzer
6 Entries
Howard Block
November 15, 2008
Dear Austin Family and Relatives,
We would like to send our sincere sympathy and prayers to your family & friends in memory of Kate.
It has been our pleasure being a friend and working associate with the Retzer family for over 50 years.
Howard & Jean Block
(Maines Salesman)
Cynthia Cox
November 10, 2008
Austin & family: You are deep in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy
Tom Madison Sr.
November 3, 2008
Condolences to Austin, Gail, & Ray.
Many good times were had in the fifties & sixties at Chestnut Lodge and enjoying the shores and waters of Oquaga Lake with the Retzer family.
Pete and Nancy VanPelt
November 3, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
suzanne feehan
November 2, 2008
Gail: I wish to send my condolences to you and all your family. There is a sadness with the loss that can be lessened by memories you all had with her in this earthly life. I remember my overnights with you and Raymond in the cottage and being able to go over to the hotel for dinner.....your Mom always looking so beautiful and she and your Dad always the most gracious of hosts.
It was good to see you this year and meet your beautiful daughter. Love Suzanne
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