Rebecca Retzlaff

In loving memory of Rebecca (Becky) Retzlaff who passed away on December 16, 2024 after a 14 month fight with stage four bile duct cancer. Becky, the oldest of her three brothers and sister, was born on June 16, 1964 in Berlin WI to John (father) and Joan (mother) Datta. Becky lived a life filled with love, laughter and dedication to her family. She graduated from Berlin HIgh School in 1982. Becky met Randy Retzlaff, the love of her life, in 1981. They married on September 22, 1984 at the American Baptist Assembly. A few years later in 1986 they welcomed their first son, Kyle Retzlaff, into the world. Seven years later in 1993 their second son, Kasey Retzlaff, was born. Over the years, Becky and Randy enjoyed many activities together. In the early days of their marriage the couple enjoyed hunting on family property in Rush Lake. Both were avid pool and dart players with Becky being on pool and dart teams for over a decade and Randy played pool league for over three decades. On occasion, Becky would beat her husband in a game of pool and almost always beat him in darts. It didn’t end with pool and darts as they took part in a bowling league with friends in Poy Sippi for five years. Eventually Becky and Randy found themselves as empty nesters, which is where their love for traveling to Door County was born. Becky had an obsession with light houses, a sight which Door County has many to offer. Throughout their four decades together Becky and Randy shared lots of ups and downs. One aspect was a certainty though, how much Randy could drive Becky nuts. From his constant questioning during movies to saying outlandish things just to get a rise out of Becky. It was quite the spectacle to watch the two interact and the sense of love between the two was always apparent. Becky wore a few professional hats throughout her life; waitress, babysitter, seamstress but the most notable profession she had was the over two decades she spent as manager at Amoco (Berlin), now BP, and ten years at Shell (Berlin). Becky had quite the work ethic, covering shifts without question. On many occasions you could find Becky closing the gas station only to find her opening just a couple of hours later. One thing was certain, if you walked into the gas station while Becky was working you were greeted with a smile and treated with kindness. Throughout her years of working Becky found herself with many of the Berlin residents as her regulars. Of her regulars, some of Becky’s favorites to have around were the members of what was affectionately referred to as the gentlemen’s coffee clutch. From Kenny Mittelstaedt, Whitey Martin and Jimmy Kresol to Vern Krause and Ron Yonke, they always kept Becky on her toes whenever they would stop in during her shift. On occasion, Becky would even treat her regulars to baked goods she had made the day before. Becky had the privilege to work alongside her mother, Joan Datta, for many years at Amoco. Sometimes, when discussing their days and interactions with customers they often found themselves referencing what a customer smoked as an easy identifier as to who the customer was. Becky came to know many faces throughout her years of working in Berlin and took great pride in her job. One of Becky’s earlier years of hard work at Amoco paid off as she won a trip to the Bahamas and Florida for her and her husband. On the day of Becky's passing, the hospice nurse that was called to the house recognized Becky from the shell gas station. Becky had a few lesser-known qualities about herself. One of which was that she loved fishing. Often finding herself casting a line into Alpine Lake or down at Riverside Park in Berlin. Becky once lost an entire fishing pole in Beaver Dam. She had cast her line out, set her fishing pole down, picked up her beer, and the next thing she knew her fishing pole was being dragged out into the water by what must have been an enormous carp. Another big aspect of Becky’s life was that she loved playing video games, albeit a select few. Her two sons grew up loving video games and as such a game would come across that would peak Becky’s interest. These games were affectionately referred to as “Mommy games”. From Super Mario Party, where Becky would crush her competition in the mini games, to fable, where she would always choose the hero storyline, to Banjo Kazooie, where she loved to wander the world. By far the “Mommy Game” that Becky loved playing the most was Animal Crossing New Horizons. Even as she battled cancer she found joy playing Animal Crossing, even completing all the in game achievements and building a highly regarded beautiful island. Becky loved being with family. Whenever they get together you could bet to find the family gathered around the table with a deck of cards. Playing games like Sheepshead, 500 rummy, cribbage and all the endless amount of board games Becky’s eldest son Kyle would bring. Becky loved her time sitting at the table with family sharing memories and laughter. Becky loved being around her grandchildren. Whether it be changing their diapers when they were babies, to spoiling them with gifts at Christmas, to traveling the state to watch them play sports. One is certain, Becky loved her family with all her heart and will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Paul and Louise Datta, Dudley and Freida Nechkash; father, John Datta, and father-in-law, Orville Retzlaff. Becky leaves behind a loving family: mother, Joan Datta; brothers, Mike Datta, Pat Datta, Paul Datta; sister, Beth (Joe) Datta – Czachor; husband, Randy Retzlaff; eldest son, Kyle (Kim) Retzlaff; grandchildren (Kyle) Alexis Krueger, Anthony Vesper, Lindsay Vesper, Jessica Vesper, Jayden Retzlaff, youngest son, Kasey (Breanna) Retzlaff; grandchild (Kasey) Kayne Retzlaff, many nieces and nephews, as well as many aunts uncles, and cousins and many friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at SSM Cancer Center in Fond Du Lac, SSM Hospice care team and Fond Du Lac hospital. They would like to also extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bhattacharjee and Mickie for the wonderful care they provided Becky with her battle against cancer. Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th, 2025, from 12-3:00 p.m. at the Town of Berlin Town Hall

Rebecca Retzlaff

June 16, 1964 - December 16, 2024