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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
Kenneth Retzer Obituary
ARIZONA — Kenneth Leo Retzer (The Big Leaguer), age 86, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020 at his home in Sun City, Arizona.
He was born April 30, 1934 in Wood River, Illlinois, to Joseph Felix and Lena Augusta (Fields) Retzer.
The youngest of seven, he is survived by his sister, Shirley Spann, of Roxana. Illinois. Also surviving are his wife, Janet (Clark/Lewis) Retzer of Sun City; his daughter, Merry Lena ("D.J.") Board and their daughter Jessica Lena of Lakeside, Califonia; his son, Steven (Janessa) Retzer of Scottsdale, Arizona; and step-son, Brian (Lisa) Lewis of Godfrey, Illinois; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was a proud former major league baseball player for the Washington Senators, following several years in the minor leagues. One of his biggest honors was catching the opening day pitch from President John F. Kennedy back in 1963. He never met a stranger that he didn't ask, "Where are you from initially?" Whatever the answer, it almost always led into a baseball memory for all to share.
He worked several jobs over the years, including owning his own restaurant "Retzer's Home Plate" in San Diego, California, a racquetball instructor at Alton Nautilus, and eventually retiring as a juvenile transportation driver in Edwardsville, Illinois.
He kept busy in retirement corresponding with baseball fans across the country.
Per his request, no memorial services are planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Retzer
Rollie Loewen
May 13, 2025
I think of Kenny very often and it is surprising for me five years have already passed. Betty & I miss seeing Janet every spring. We need to get to Dallas & see Janet. Betty & I have never been to Dallas & I have three sons and grandchildren living there also. I have a Chuck Cottier autographed baseball card who was Kenny´s best friend. Several cards & pictures of Ken are prominently displayed in our home. I am happy to say Chuck Cottier is now in his late 80´s. Janet may still be in contact. We are hoping to get to Dallas to see Janet this summer. Betty is using a wheel chair when we travel & that makes everything difficult. Stay well Janet.
Matt Fissinger
March 2, 2025
We met Ken when he befriended my son´s little league team at a tournament in Las Vegas. They loved his baseball bat walking cane, and loved talking to him. We saw him again at another tournament a few months later. Loved meeting Janice and Ken, and loved talking baseball with him.
Rollie & Betty Loewen
May 12, 2024
Rollie & Betty Loewen, we miss and think of Kenny always. Seeing Janet & Ken in Sun City was always a highlight of our lives every spring. Was great to have both in our wedding. Ken signed autographs for the judge and other couples in the courthouse of Surprise, AZ. With Ken´s passing and Covid we haven´t returned since. Hope to visit Janet in Dallas in near future.
Ike Futch - RIP my dear friend and teammate.
May 13, 2022
Prayers for family and friends in this time of deep sorrow
carol a kruse
January 21, 2022
our sympathies to you all. although i never knew him, we have the retzer blood . my mother was from woodriver . leo retzer was her father and i believe that was his uncle. we had learned of his fame and my daughter even found his baseball card. our prayers are with you all.
Lesley Kruse
January 19, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I recently discovered that Ken is my 2nd Cousin 2X removed. My grandmother was a Retzer. It was amazing to learn about him and proud to call him my family.
alan williams
July 31, 2020
Sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I played corkball with him the summer when Ken lived in Vandalia, Missouri. I have often wondered where Ken went after his baseball career. We really enjoyed his friendship.
Michael Dugan
May 23, 2020
I would thank Ken for giving me his autograph as a player for the Indianapolis Indians.
Asking God to give his blessings and graces in the days ahead to Ken's family.
Bill Moser
May 21, 2020
Kens enthusiasm for life, family, baseball, golf and racquetball made him a standout guy and a good friend. He will long be remembered by all that met him. My thoughts are with his wife Janet and son Steve
Ricky
May 21, 2020
Didn't know Ken but,remember he gave me a ride to to the airport.He was talking about catching President Kennedy 1st pitch opening day.It was cool listening to his story.Always will remember him and have told the story to many people.Bless his family and friends.You have lost a great person.
Joyce Gusewelle
May 19, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Im Kennys cousin. Kenny was special to my parents, his Uncle Jesse and Aunt Julia. They visited often when they and Kenny lived in Edwardsville. My dad especially enjoyed sharing baseball stories. May you be comforted by so many good memories.
Karen Wedding
May 19, 2020
So sorry to read of your loss. My Father, Wayne Simpson spoke highly of Ken.Prayers and Peace to your family!
Ike Futch
May 19, 2020
Love and prayers to Ken's family and friends in this time of deep sorrow, especially his loving wife Janet.
Diana
May 18, 2020
I would like to tell you how very sorry I am of the passing of Kenny I met Kenny and his wife when they would come in Dierbergs grocery store I am a cashier there and almost every day he would come in. He tells stories about his past he make us laugh and he had one heckuva laugh Ill tell you that. Can you gave us autographed pictures I was looking at one the other day in his boy uniform. One day he told me about him working at Belk Park come to find out when my son was Younger he worked at the park along with Kenny and Kenny remembered him too. Ive often wondered how Kenny and his wife are doing. I was very surprised when I just now went online and found this. I want to tell you he was someone Ill never forget. He had a wonderful personality Ill keep you in my thoughts and my prayers again my deepest condolences to the family
Rollie Loewen
May 18, 2020
A great friend and Best Man at my wedding Spring Training 2017. He signed autographs for the judge & guests. Loved baseball.
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