Margaret Dorothy Beeckler Retzlaff, age 89, of Coloma passed away Saturday, October 2^nd, 2010 at the Montello Care Center.

Margaret was born August 20, 1921 at home on the farm in Neillsville, Wisconsin to Benjamin and Esther Ferris True Beeckler. She moved from Neillsville at age 5 to the Beeckler family farm on Romadke Road across from the Windfall Cemetery, Granton, Wisconsin. She graduated from the Granton Elementary School and Granton High School in 1939. During her four years in high school she was drum major as the band director discovered she had very little musical ability!

Margaret attended Wisconsin Rapids County Normal graduating in 1941. She taught for three years south of Neillsville at the Riverside School, then moved to Merryvale School on Highway 10, Neillsville. There she had the honor of becoming the third generation Beeckler to teach at this school, Grandfather Ezra A. Beeckler and Aunt Pearl Beeckler.

Margaret left teaching and moved to Madison, Wisconsin becoming the first secretary to W.F. Bakke, of the Sub-Zero Company from 1947-1953.

Margaret married Roy H. Retzlaff on March 17, 1950 in Iowa. They moved from Madison to the country in Riley, Wisconsin in 1954, remaining there until 1987 when she and Roy moved to Coloma, Wisconsin where she resided until June of 2010, when she moved to the Montello Care Center.

Margaret enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and gardening.

Margaret is survived by her children, Linda (Henry) Jacobs of Westfield, WI; Jack (Laura) Retzlaff of Fort Collins, CO; Jean M. Jenson of Reedsburg, WI; and Patrick D. (Lynette Poppe) Retzlaff of Hayward, WI;

Grandchildren: Sarah Ward, Tiffany Retzlaff, Benjamin Retzlaff, and Kristan Ryan; Great-Grandsons: Dakota Turner and Jack McMullen; Sisters-in-law: Jewel Retzlaff of Sierra Vista, AZ and Mildred True of Clintonville, WI. She is further survived by her "almost families" including: Roger Allen, Julie Allen and their children; Jim Canter and children; Larry and Carol Field and their children; Mary Svoboda, and Louise Regelin. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Rusty.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Esther Beeckler; brothers: William Beeckler and Jack True; and husband Roy H. Retzlaff.

Per her wishes, graveside service will held at the South Burr Oak Cemetery, Coloma, Wisconsin with Pastor Allyson Janke officiating. A gathering will follow at the home of Linda and Henry Jacobs to celebrate and remember a good life well spent.

"Been There � Done That"