ROLLIE RETZLAFF

ROLLIE RETZLAFF Rollie Neil Retzlaff, 72, Cooperstown, ND, died Monday, September 4, 2017 in the Griggs County Care Center, Cooperstown, ND, from complications of cancer and a stroke. Rollie was born August, 28, 1945 at the Mrs. Bonnewell Maternity House in Cooperstown, ND. Rollie was the son of Carrol and Shirley (Watne) Retzlaff; the family grew to three sons, Wayne Alfred, the oldest, Rollie Neil and James Carrol. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith and has been a lifelong member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND. Rollie attended Country Grade School through the 6th grade at Bald Hill #1 (Shepard School), upon closing he went to the Griggs County School in Cooperstown, ND and graduated from High School in 1963. Rollie married Vicky Bailey from Sutton, ND where they were married. They had a daughter Gina Kay, later they were divorced. Rollie has a son Casey. Now Rollie has two granddaughters, Cecelia and Sela and two grandsons, Jett and Koda. Rollie was a farmer during his whole career. He was known as good with mechanical machinery and was recognized as an innovator with modern farming process and devices like his father, Carrol. In his earlier years he was a traveler and enjoyed a trip to Australia with some buddies and ended up returning home by traveling around the world, He worked a couple of winters on the North Slope in Alaska operating heavy equipment. He always enjoyed being a NFL fan; especially of the Minnesota Vikings. He liked to follow NASCAR races and drivers on TV. He basically enjoyed cars, whether just nice ones, classics, muscle cars or race cars. He was a charter member of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle Club, Walum, ND; he also enjoyed his pets and loved to play pinochle. Rollie sold his farm and retired a few years ago and continued to live in his hometown of Cooperstown. He worked for Helmer’s Garage and Central Plaines in Hannaford, ND for a time and at Poslilock, Cooperstown, ND. Rollie is survived by his daughter, Gina (Troy) Schmidt and their two daughters, Cecelia and Sela, Riverside, FL; son, Casey (Kim) Retzlaff and their two sons, Jetta and Koda, Argusville, ND; mother, Shirley, Cooperstown, ND, brothers, Wayne (Elaine), Rapid City, SD and Jim and his friend Dar, Cooperstown, ND and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm Saturday, September 9 at the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home in Cooperstown, ND. Visitation will continue from 1-2 p.m., followed by the Funeral at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Grace Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND. Interment will be in the Cooperstown Cemetery, Cooperstown, ND.