Emma L Retzlaff

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   Emma Retzlaff, age 95, of Eau Claire passed away Monday October 27, 2008 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.
 
She was born July 2, 1913 in the Town of Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire County in a one room house, the youngest of twelve children. She attended school in a one- room school near her home in Pleasant Valley.
 
She began work at an early age working as a "Nanny" for several different Families in Eau Claire and later at the Gillette (Uniroyal) factory in Eau Claire.
 
She first met Gordon Retzlaff at Fournier's Ballroom in Eau Claire and soon after they were married on November 3, 1938 at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. With Pastor Jack Olson officiating, they later celebrated their Golden Anniversary together with their family on November 3, 1988 at Trinity Lutheran Church. 
    

Emma loved God and her family and was devoted and steadfast to both. She enjoyed talking about the olden days especially all her childhood memories of growing up in a family of twelve children. She was especially proud of her Norwegian Heritage telling everyone that her dad was born in Norway. She enjoyed talking Norwegian whenever she had the opportunity and it was a joy to listen to her speaking the language with someone else. Emma loved her home and was a "Homebody." It was soon apparent she had an early passion in the kitchen for cooking and baking. Other interests included, her flowers, plants, and gardening, golfing, walking, dancing, and teaching Sunday School in Mondovi and she especially loved fishing and antiquing with her husband Gordon in their green station wagon.
 
Emma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include a son, Dr. Ronald G. Retzlaff of Eau Claire, a daughter Carol (Dr. Aleron) Leipnitz of Menomonie, two grandchildren Jennifer (Darrel) Gibson of Hudson, Dr. Todd (Dana) Leipnitz of Menomonie, six great grandchildren Theodore, Madalyn, and Corbin Gibson of Hudson, Jack, Olivia, and Joseph Leipnitz of Menomonie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, parents Simon and Paulina (Semingson) Larson, three sisters, eight brothers and two great grandchildren, twin boys, Luke and Samuel Gibson.
 
Funeral Services were held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire, WI. Pastor Kurt Jacobson officiated. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Emma's name to Trinity Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Northwest Wisconsin Hospice Homecare, the entire staff of Luther Hospital and a special thank you to Dr. Mark Edstrom and his staff for their compassionate care.
 
Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd, Eau Claire is assisting the family with the arrangements.