Arthur "Art" W. Retzlaff

On November 12, 2023, Arthur William Retzlaff, age 84, passed away peacefully at St. Paul Nursing Home in Kaukauna due to complications of Parkinson’s disease.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ardena (Huss), along with their children Timothy & Dawn (Van Gompel), Shelly (Retzlaff) & Patrick Verhagen and his grandchildren Kyle, Ryan, Abby & Lauryn, his in-laws Thomas and Sue Huss and Audrey Huss.  He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Jennifer Retzlaff, his parents, Arthur F. Retzlaff, Dorothy Zirbel and stepfather, Harold Zirbel, his half brother Dennis Zirbel and in-laws Marv Huss and Don & Elaine Huss.

Arthur was born on August 31,1939 in Wrightstown, WI.  He graduated from Wrightstown High School in 1957 and served in the US Navy from 1957-1961. He was employed by Thilmany Paper Mill in Kaukauna for over 35 years. He retired in 1999 from his position as a safety advocate.  

Arthur married Ardena Huss of Freedom in 1963. They welcomed three children into their lives: Jennifer, Tim and Shelly. Art & Ardena lived, worked and played side by side for 60 years. The two of them were inseparable. They raised their kids and taught them the value of hard work as they bought and enhanced their cabin on Dolan Lake.  They learned to lean on each other and appreciate every moment of time with their loved ones as they dealt with the loss of their beloved daughter Jenny.  They traveled to numerous destinations around the world, their favorite being, Jamaica, where they learned to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest.  They retired in the northwoods where the peace and quiet made Art especially happy. They expanded their circle of friends by becoming active participants in organizations in the northwoods. They became grandparents who loved to shower their grandkids with their time and attention.  They held hands every day at the nursing home as they enjoyed each other's company until the day Art departed.  Art lived a blessed life & he will be forever missed.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sister Delores and the staff of Poppy Path who gave exceptional love and care to Art throughout his stay at St. Paul Nursing Home.  You are God’s angels.

A memorial service for Arthur is scheduled for Monday, November 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, W2037 County Rd S, Freedom.  Visitation will take place at 9 a.m. until the time of mass at church.  After mass, please join the family at Buzz’s for a Celebration of Life.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.