John Retzlaff

John B. Retzlaff, 68 of Carmel, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2012 after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) since January, 2012. John was born September 12, 1943 in Antigo, WI to the late Margaret and Byron Retzlaff. John spent his entire career in the Commercial Insurance industry, retiring from Wausau Insurance Company in2008, after 40 years. He then worked part-time for the Brown & Brown Insurance Agency in Carmel during 2010 and 2011, before retiring in 2012. John was a life-long automobile racing, motorcycle and automobile enthusiast and saw most of the United States by motorcycle. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #576 Noblesville, Circle City Corvettes, the Corvette Museum, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Carmel. He was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Julian Caroll and received a plaque from Air Alaska for crossing the Arctic Circle. John was a life-time member of the Carmel-Clay Historical Society. John is survived by his loving and caring wife, Sharon Kinnaman Retzlaff; son, John Patrick (Teresa), step-son, Eric Gamble (Lori); grandchildren, Brittney, Brianna, Trevor, Tyler, Brooke, Erik and Aaron; great grandsons, Emerson and Isaiah; sister, Mary Ellen; brother, Tom; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Helen Spelbring; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, James. Visitation will be from 3:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday, September 4 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 5. Entombment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery. John's gratitude extends to the Indiana ALS Chapter and family and friends who unconditionally supported and cared for him during his difficult journey. Special thanks to Dr. Walter Beaver and home health companion Joe McNeal. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association of Indiana Chapter 6525 East 82nd Street Ste. 115 Indianapolis, IN 46250. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan