Robert Edgar Retzler

Ed Retzler of Carmel, California, and formerly of Palos Verdes Estates, California, died peacefully in his sleep on December 6, 2023, at the age of 93.

Born October 7, 1930, in Wooster, Ohio, Ed was the youngest of Herman Lloyd Retzler and Celia (Pomeroy) Retzler's four children. He graduated from Wooster High School in 1948 and the College of Wooster in 1952. It was during these early years that he discovered his first love - the oboe. Music was a lifelong passion, and Ed played with numerous amateur and professional orchestras, concert bands, and chamber music groups - even playing duets just days before he passed.

Drafted during the Korean War, Ed was stationed in Germany and served with the Occupation Force giving goodwill concerts as a member of the 7th Army Symphony. Upon completion of his military service, Ed met Shirley Moore on a blind date. They were married in June 1957, and soon moved to California for graduate school.

After obtaining his M.B.A. from Stanford University, Ed worked in the business offices of Astro Metallurgical Corporation, Vac-Hyd Processing Corporation, and DuroFab before a 25-year-career at UCLA. Progressing from Business Officer to Associate Dean of Extension to Acting Dean, Ed led one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive continuing education programs.

In the early 1970s, Ed and Shirley built a Japanese-inspired mid-century modern house in Palos Verdes Estates where they raised their two children. They were avid travelers and filled their home with music and folk art from their adventures around the world. In retirement, Ed studied music at Cal State Long Beach before he and Shirley relocated to Carmel Valley Manor in 2011.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, Ed is survived by his daughter Nicole Retzler, son-in-law Andrew Hage, grandson Alexander Hage, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Retzler.

Close family members gathered for a celebration of life on July 27, 2024, at Wooster Cemetery in Ohio, where Ed was interred alongside his grandparents, parents, siblings, in-laws, and son.