Cover photo for August Retzlaff's Obituary
August Retzlaff Profile Photo
1933 August 2011

August Retzlaff

March 22, 1933 — January 21, 2011

August "Augie" Retzlaff, 77, of Grand Island died Friday, January 21, 2011 at Tiffany Square surrounded by his family.

Services will be Monday, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Palmer. The Reverend Martin Leeper will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer with military rites by the Burton Beyer American Legion Post #120 of Palmer. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church

Memorials are suggested to the Central Nebraska Humane Society, Palmer High School Endowment Fund or donor's choice.

Greenway Funeral Home in Palmer is in charge of arrangements.

August was born on March 22, 1933 in rural Palmer to Charles and Emma (Wegner) Retzlaff. He grew up and farmed southeast of Palmer until his retirement.

He married Carolyn Wages on September 9, 1953 in Palmer. August attended grade school at District 58 and graduated from Palmer High School in 1951.

From 1953-1955 he served in the United States Army, one year of which he was in Germany. Upon returning to Palmer, he began his lifelong career raising cattle and farming. Augie was married to Carolyn for 57 years and took pride in raising his family. He enjoyed raising his cattle and being involved in the community. Augie loved visiting with friends and neighbors.

Augie held leadership roles on the Palmer Public School Board from 1967 to 1978, the Federal Land Bank Board, he served on committees in the United Methodist Church and was a life time member of the Burton Beyer American Legion Post 120. He helped established the Palmer Ranch Hands 4-H Club, coached Little League and Legion Baseball teams, and was involved with the Boy Scouts. In 1991, he received the Central Platte Natural Resources District "Tree Planting Award". He planted many trees and shelter belts for livestock protection and wildlife habitat.

With his friends and family he spent time playing cards, camping, fishing, hunting, planting trees, harvesting unique pieces of wood, and was a avid sports fan of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed collecting guns, John Deere signs, and memorabilia.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Grand Island; a daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Tim Dethloff of Grand Island, three sons and daughter-in-laws, Doug and Laurie Retzlaff of Palmer, Russ and Cheryl Retzlaff of Palmer, and Steve and Tara Retzlaff of Grand Island; thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren and his sister Marilyn Djernes of Archer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Oliver; and grandson Joshua Dethloff.

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