William "Bill" J Retzer's Obituary
William J. "Bill" Retzer, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025.
Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 6, 1938, to the late Dr. William & Beatrice Retzer. He was a proud graduate of St. Edward High School and later attended John Carroll University. Bill honorably served his country in the United States Navy as a Corpsman at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Throughout his life, Bill held many jobs that allowed him to connect with people—a joy he never tired of. From the West Side Market to parking garages and the stadium, he loved meeting new faces and sharing his trademark jokes and stories. His most notable career was with the United States Postal Service, where he faithfully served the West Park community as a Mail Carrier for 25 years, known for his dedication, reliability, and ever-present smile.
Bill will be remembered for his generous spirit, quick wit, and gift of storytelling. He was always ready with a good joke or a helping hand. His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. One of Bill’s greatest final joys was fulfilling a lifelong bucket list wish: to get to the ocean one last time, surrounded by his entire family—a memory cherished by all who shared it with him.
Beloved husband of 59 years to Jean Ann (Weckel), loving father to Debra (Brian) Bush, David Retzer, William Retzer and Laurie (Danny) Dickens. Grandfather to Megan Bush, Bridget Bush, Nicholas Bush and Jenny Dickens. Son of the late Beatrice (Hauck) and Dr. William Retzer. Brother to the late Mary Elizabeth (Kevin) Arber, Robert Retzer and Brother-in-Law to the late Dorothy Weckel. Uncle to Susan (Gene) Crabtree, Kevin (Teri) Arber and the late David Arber.
Bill’s legacy is one of kindness, service, and joy. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
A Mass will be held Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church 15800 Montrose Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44111. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 6265 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to Veteran Canine Connection at https://www.veterancanineconnection.com , where he got his loyal four legged companion, Roxy, who was always by his side.
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