Arlene E. RetzaIssue Date: January 6, 2021 Arlene E. (Henschel) Retza, age 84 of Crivitz, formerly of the Town of Alban, Portage County, passed into Heaven Monday afternoon, December 28, 2020 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Green Bay. She was able to live alone prior to being admitted with an infection and was able to avoid contracting COVID-19.
Arlene was born on March 2, 1936 in Shawano as the daughter of the late Carl and Etta (Krieser) Henschel. She was baptized in her parents' home in Shawano and was later confirmed at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville. Arlene graduated from Evergreen Grade School in the Town of Matteson, Waupaca County which was located on Hwy 156 near where she grew up.
She was also the first of her sisters to graduate from Clintonville High School. After graduation she worked in Appleton for the Appleton School District as a secretary during which time, she met Rodney Retza on a blind date. They were united in marriage on June 23, 1967, in Waukegan, Illinois. The couple then moved with their infant son William Retza and both worked at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI.
Arlene eventually became the Alban Township Clerk/Treasurer. She was also the secretary for two cemetery associations, a job she truly loved. However, she was never far from the land milking her goats and tending to her gardens and selling whatever extra produce she had.
Rodney preceded his wife in death on April 24, 2002. Arlene then built a house next to her son in Crivitz and continued to help with the grandkids, chickens, orchard and gardens.
Arlene was a founding member of Living Waters Lutheran Church in Pound. She had a strong faith in her Lord and enjoyed teaching Sunday School, working with the Ladies Group and baking for Church dinners.
Not one to be afraid of a little work, Arlene could always be found helping on the farm. She enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, sharing her produce with family and friends, berry and apple picking and picking and selling cucumbers. Arlene had a deep love for her family and would do anything for them. Her presence in this life will certainly be missed.
Survivors include Her Children: William (Julie) Retza, Crivitz and step-son, Scott (Linda) Retza; Grandchildren: Alyssa, Jamie and Ryan Retza, Appleton; and Billy, Michael, Rebekah and Karl Retza, Crivitz; 1 Great-Grandchild: Jackson, Appleton; Sister: Margaret Strohmeyer. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rodney and sisters, Leila Wollenberg, Ruth Koeller and Florence Klitz.
At this time services have been postponed due to COVID19. Arlene's family would like to thank Robin Blade for allowing her to remain independent and in her own home right up to the end of her life. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Crivitz assisted the family.
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