Bill Retz

Bill Retz of Atlantic went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2016.

He was born on January 19, 1929 south of Marne to Emil T. and Anna Christena Retz. At the age of 2, the family moved to a farm east of Wiota where he was raised. He graduated from the Wiota High School in 1948 and went to work for the Cass County Engineer’s Office in Atlantic. In 1951, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado. Upon completion of his basic training there he was assigned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where he spent 18 months. He was honorably discharged from the service in February of 1953 and returned to his position at the engineer’s office. In 1954, he was named Cass County Assistant Engineer. He held this position until February of 1958 when he accepted employment with the Iowa Dept. of Transportation.

On April 12 of that year he married Linda Evans. To this happy union four children were born, Tim, Amy, Curt and Angie and raised in Atlantic.

In the early 1970’s, Bill was part of a group who was instrumental in setting up the first Little League program for Atlantic. He loved baseball and was an active coach and later umpire for the games.

Bill resigned from the DOT in 1980 after 22 years, to take the position of Public Works Director for the City of Atlantic. He remained with the city until 1991. After retirement, he worked for several engineering firms and in 2000 and 2001 he volunteered his time as Project Engineer of the new Cass County Community Building.

He spent many hours taking care of his yard and caring for his flowers, especially his roses. All who knew Bill will remember his concern for other people and his quick wit. Through his actions he taught his children to be honest, kind, and to think the best of everyone. He loved to kid around with everyone and did not know a stranger. For these things he was truly liked and will be greatly missed. He had a very strong faith and was a long time member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandpa, who cherished his children and grandchildren. His family was his life.

He is survived by his children, Tim Retz and wife Lisa of Runnells, Iowa, Amy Gubser and husband Nick of Omaha, Nebraska, Curt Retz and wife Jill of Urbandale, Iowa. His dear grandchildren, Spencer and Grant Gubser, Lexi Retz, Will and Charlie Retz, his sister Marcella Platt of Massena, and his brother Richard Retz of Glenwood, along with nephews, nieces and many wonderful friends.

Those preceding him were his beautiful wife Linda who passed away January 31, 2015 as well as his lovely daughter Angela Beth who passed away in 2001. His parents, a brother Jack, brother­in­law Jack Platt, and sisters­in­law Barb Retz and Betty Retz.

There will be a visitation and celebration of Bill’s life at the Cass County Community Building on April 15 from 4:30PM to 7:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bill Retz Memorial Fund, which will be passed on in his memory to the Iowa Donor Network.

Those you hold dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.