Gerald V. Retzlaff

1937 - 2021

Retzlaff, Gerald V. Grand Haven Gerald V. Retzlaff, age 84, peacefully passed away while under the care of family on December 24th, 2021. Gerald (Jerry) was born November 22, 1937 to K.C. and Virginia (Coles) Retzlaff. He graduated from Grand Haven High School, then attended Michigan Tech University pursuing an electrical engineering degree. He was CEO of Grand Transformers in Grand Haven, which was a family run business for over 60 years. Jerry was a loved and long time member of The Journey Church, and was very involved in the community including serving as the president of Tri-Cities Area United Fund, the committee of economic development, and the advisory board for International Aid, as well as many other nonprofit organizations. Jerry was a loving husband, father and grandfather who spent his retired life with close family and friends. He is survived by his children, Jeff Retzlaff, Elizabeth Retzlaff, Eric Kasper, and Jennifer Aleccia; grandchildren, Casey Ranen and Kendall Aleccia; and his brother Greg (Lois) Retzlaff. He was preceded in death by his wife, Starr Retzlaff and his brother Kennith Retzlaff. A visitation with the family will be held January 13th from 5-7 PM at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. A memorial service will be held January 14th at 11:00 AM at The Journey Church (5660 Quarterline Rd., Muskegon.) Memorials can be directed to Love in Action Grand Haven and the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com. There will also be a live stream from The Journey Church at: https://boxcast.tv/view/retzlaff-funeral-659227