3. | RETZLAFF, Willis Sherman (1.Lily1) was born on 7 Jun 1927 in Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY; died on 20 Aug 2005 in Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY. Notes:
RETZLAFF - Willis S., Wheatfield town assessor NF Gazette 8/22/2005
WHEATFIELD - Willis S. Retzlaff, who served as town assessor for 27 years and was active in community and church affairs, died of a heart attack Saturday in his home. He was 78.
Mr. Retzlaff was born in Wheatfield and attended local schools. He served in the Air Force and was a member of Wheatfield Post 1451, American Legion.
He was a lifelong farmer and a skilled carpenter who built several homes in the area.
He was town assessor from 1972 to 1999 and the following year was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. He had been president of the Niagara County Assessors Association and an officer of the New York State Assessors Association.
Mr. Retzlaff was an active member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as president, elder and financial secretary. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the cemetery committee.
He was a charter member and past president of the Wheatfield Lions Club and was serving as treasurer at the time of his death.
He was named Lion of the Year in 1991 and won two other Lions awards: the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1994 and the Robert Uplinger Distinguished Service Award in 1998.
He was a charter member of the Wheatfield Republican Club; member and past president of the Wheatfield Business Association; treasurer of the Wheatfield Family Picnic Committee; a former member of the Bergholz German Band; a member of the town Historical Society; and a volunteer for Kids Voting.
He enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Lois Hassan; a daughter, Debra Sheehan of Bergholz; a son, Randall of Wheatfield; a sister, Alice Walck of Sanborn; a brother, Kenneth of Wheatfield; and six grandchildren-.
Services will be at 11 A.M. Wednesday in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Walmore Road. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Willis Sherman Retzlaff
Willis Sherman Retzlaff was born on June 7,1927 to Arthur and Lily (Pfuhl) Retzlaff. He was baptized on June 19, 1927 and confirmed on April 14, 1940. Willis was united in marriage to Lois Hassan on September 8, 1951. They were blessed with two children, Debra and Randall.
Willis was a life long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church where he served as President of the Congregation, financial secretary, Elder and presently as Chairman of the Cemetery Committee.
Willis farmed for many years then went into carpentry and built many homes in the area. He was elected Assessor for the Town of Wheatfield and served in that capacity for 27 years, retiring in 1999.
He was a charter member, past President and currently served as Treasurer of the Wheatfield Lions Club. He was named Lion of the year in 1991, received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1994 and the Robert Uplinger Distinguished Service Award in 1998. He was a charter member of the Wheatfield Republican Club, member of the Wheatfield Senior Citizens, member and past President of the Wheatfield Business Association and treasurer of the Wheatfield Family Picnic Committee, a former member of the Bergholz Band, member of the Historical Society, was a volunteer for Kids Voting each year, was a former President of Niagara County Assessor's Association, a former officer of the New York State Assessor's Association, served in the U.S. Air Force, and was a member of the American Legion-Wheatfield Post 1451, member of the Wheatfield Zoning Board of Appeals.
Willis enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and helping anyone in need.
On Saturday, August 20, 2005, at home, unexpectedly Willis was called to be with His Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Lois, daughter, Debra (Theodore) Sheehan, son, Randall; grandchildren, Theodore (Holly) Sheehan Ill, Becky, Tim and Tom Sheehan, Amanda and Scott Retzlaff; a sister, Alice Walck, a brother, Kenneth (Dianne) Retzlaff; sisters-in-law, Joanne (Edwin) Scherrer, Betty Lou (George) Lozina and Sally Archer and many nieces and nephews.
Family/Spouse: HASSAN, Lois Ruth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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