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Gerald "Jerry" Leo Retzlaff
1950 - 2020
Gerald "Jerry" Leo Retzlaff
1950 - 2020
Obituary
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BORN
1950
DIED
2020
Gerald "Jerry" Retzlaff Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” Retzlaff passed away in his home on November 28th, 2020. Jerry was born in La Crosse on March 4th, 1950 to Leo and Lorraine (Mashak) Retzlaff. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, and niece Theresa (Devine) Barton. He is survived by his sisters Barbara (Retzlaff) Thayer and Sandra Retzlaff. Nieces and nephews; Paul Devine, Rick Devine & Debra J. Rodriquez (Devine). Great nieces and nephews; Alex, Steven, Zachary, Tyler & Jazlyn.
Jerry graduated from Onalaska High School on May 29th, 1968. A mere six days after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army on June 4th, 1968 during the height of the Viet Nam War. During his three years of service Jerry spent almost 10 months overseas as an infantryman, attained the rank of Sergeant, and earned an impressive number of military honors which include a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, and several other commendations and medals.
Upon his return to civilian life on June 3rd, 1971 Jerry returned to La Crosse where again he did not waste any time getting down to business. He finished his Police training and was sworn in as an Onalaska Police Department officer in November of 1971. Jerry remained on the force for almost 3 decades retiring in May, 2000.
After his retirement Jerry finally took the time to do the things he enjoyed doing. Jerry was a man that kept to himself mostly but he did enjoy spending time at his favorite north side establishments talking to friends, enjoying a beverage and of course playing the gambling machines. Although a quiet man Jerry was remembered by many and will be deeply missed.
Graveside services with Police and Military Honors will be held on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.
9 Entries
Eddie Allen
May 24, 2021
I grew up two houses down from Jerry and always looked up to him. He was soft-spoken, polite, and gentle considering he was about the toughest guy in our gang. He was better than anybody else in our sandlot games of ball or driveway basketball games. He was patient with younger kids and adjusted his play accordingly. Most of my time spent with Jerry was when we were kids. I crossed paths with him only a few times in adulthood but was glad to learn he was a policeman. It seems like the perfect job for Jerry. All the characteristics he displayed as a kid would have served him well as a cop. He's a guy I would want close by if there was trouble. We had an idyllic childhood in Court Acres. Jerry was a big part of it. I am saddened to learn of his death.
Deb Blackbourn
May 22, 2021
I have Jerry’s family & friends in my thoughts & prayers. I’m sure the last several months have been difficult with Covid. I worked with Jerry at the Onalaska Police Dept. for almost 10 years. I remember him being fair, compassionate & softspoken. May he Rest In Peace.
Pete
May 22, 2021
I knew Jerry from some of the establishments and always liked him. Have not seen him in quite some time as we all slow up. Good man.
Larry Allen
December 12, 2020
I grew up with Jerry in the court acres neighborhood. Many of my fondest childhood memories include him. He was always the 1st won picked in the games we played. I never saw anyone hit a softball or baseball so far. We would sit on his front steps every Friday evening in the summer. Leo would buy him a box of baseball cards when payday came, and he would open them up; passing out bubble gum and "doubles" to the other kids. I will always remember him as a kind and honorable human being. Sympathies to his sisters and their extended families. Larry Allen and brothers Dan, Randy, Eddie, and Joe.
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Tom Sherwin
December 12, 2020
Very sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. I enjoyed working with him and was always impressed with his strong sense of right and wrong. He always strived to see the perspective of both sides in any dispute, and represented the OPD well in
his contacts with the public.
We also appreciated his service to his fellow officers as president of our police association.
He will be missed.
Deb Blackbourn
December 9, 2020
I worked with Jerry at the Onalaska Police Dept. for over 9 years. He was a good police officer & easy to work with. I’ve thought of him many times since I left the dept. in 1984.
Tom Rastall
December 9, 2020
I grew up with Jerry in the 1960's while living in Court Acres. We spent the summers playing sand lot base ball. In 1961 we took a bus trip to see the Milwaukee Braves play the Yankees. Later I worked with Jerry on the police department. I recall Jerry capturing a dangerous armed robber who made the mistake of parking his car near where Jerry lived. Many don't know that Jerry while serving in Vietnam was involved in a classified mission behind enemy lines in Laos placing sensors on the Ho. Chi Minh trail.
Deb Harris
December 9, 2020
Grew up in the same neighborhood as Jerry. He was considered one of the older kids on the bus ride to school. Remember talk of Jerry and Roger (another resident of the area) getting into trouble and us younger kids thinking he was one of those "bad boys". Was surprised when he appeared at my teller window at the bank a few years ago and found out he was a police officer. We spent a little time talking about the old neighborhood each time he visited the bank. He was enthusiastic when he won at gambling and would share his good fortune-but it was a joke that he wouldn't share the money. Memories and thoughts go to his family.
Former Court Acres resident, Deb (Grade) Harris
Sandra Whiteman
December 9, 2020
I was a classmate of Sandra (‘67) & my brother Ron Whiteman, was a classmate of Jerry’s ‘68.
Jerry was a good policeman serving the city residents of Onalaska well. One day Jerry called me to inform me my 16 year old, new driver had been in a car accident! Jetty told me she wasn’t hurt & that I should remain calm. He said my daughter had been waiting to turn at an intersection with her turn signal on & the car behind her hit her! I got to the accident & Jerry was telling my daughter she had not done anything wrong & that she was a good driver! His comforting words calmed her & me. I was always grateful for his professionalism & caring. May he Rest In Peace!
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200 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601
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