Ernest Fred Retzlaff

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, Minnesota 56001 507-388-2288 Ernest Fred Retzlaff, 86 passed away on June 1, 2015 at home. Ernie was born on June 16, 1928 in Minneapolis, MN to Ernest F. and Elvira T. Retzlaff. Ernie had two older brothers, Edger of Des Plaines, IL and Eugene of LaCrosse, WI. He married his bride Phyllis J. Henschel on October 7, 1950 and had two children, Ellen Barber of Bourbonnais, IL and Eric of Mankato, MN. Ernie graduated from high school in LaCrosse, WI in 1947 and was in the U.S. Army Reserves through 1952. Ernie was a long-time CPA beginning at Buchanan and Gibson, CPA's which later Ernie purchased and managed the business with his partner, Harold Worchel until 1981 when they sold the business. Ernie continued to work as a comptroller until full retirement in 1989. Ernie had a long history of volunteer serving as a Treasurer for the American Red Cross, Finance chairman at Riverland Girl Scout Council, Chamber Ambassador, and President of Toastmasters all of LaCrosse. He was a member of the American and Wisconsin Institute of CPA's, and received the Spirit award in 1984 from WICPA. Ernie and Phyllis retired to Bella Vista, AR in 1990 until their final retirement in Mankato MN in 2007. Ernie was a Past Master and Life Member of Badger Masonic Lodge # 345 of LaCrosse and Bentonville AR #56 F&AM, member of ZOR Temple Madison WI, LaCrosse chapter# 22, O.E.S. and Nomad Shriners. America Legion, volunteer driver for courtesy shuttle, 11 year crime watch member, 20+ years AARP tax aide, past board member. He delivered hot meals on wheels for Vine in Mankato and was an avid golfer, fisherman, and camper. Ernie is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Ellen Barber (Edison), son Eric (Jeri), brother Eugene (Margie) of LaCrosse, grandsons Justin of Colorado Springs, CO and Andrew of Mankato, and nieces and nephew. Memorial services will be June 13, Christ the King Lutheran Church at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ the King or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Burial will be at a future date in Bella Vista Memorial Gardens.