Karl William Retzloff's Obituary
Big Rapids- Karl William Retzloff, 80, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, March 16, 2018. At the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids.
He was born January 10, 1938 in Lansing, the son of Edward K. and Josephine (Florian) Retzloff, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1956.
Karl was a Civil Engineer by trade and began working with the City of Big Rapids at the age of 20. He was well respected in his field, and was responsible for designing many large developments around the country-the most notable being Sugar Mills Woods in Homossassa, Florida. This is where he met and married his wife Pat in 1985.
After retiring, Karl and Pat spent several years working as Camp Host for the National Park Service until her death in 2006. Karl then moved back to Big Rapids, his home in his heart.
Karl is survived by his brother, Edward (Lorna) Retzloff, of Big Rapids, his sister, Sally (Norman) Larson of California; 2 sons, Karl, Jr. (Karen) and Timothy (Rick Yuille); his daughter Tamera; daughter-in-law Alice Retzloff; stepson Lawrence; stepdaughers Judy and Edith; 14 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a son Christopher.
Per Karl's wishes, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a late date.
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