Dennis Ray Retzloff

One of seven children to Albert and Evelyn Retzloff. He was the smallest of the seven. What he lacked in height he made up for in personality and sheer grit. Known for foot races with his brothers, football at Judson High, and arm wrestling anyone willing to accept the challenge well into adulthood. Our dad had a laugh that could fill a room. It was hearty and contagious. He had never met a stranger; he could talk to anyone.

He always smelled the same—a comforting scent that lingered on you long after he’d wrapped you in one of his big, bear hugs. Dad was always clean-shaven, but he always had a stubble like sandpaper, that scratched your face when he pulled you in close. His hands, too, were rough and dry, the kind of hands that knew the feel of hard work—like they’d just been hanging sheetrock or driving nails. He couldn’t stand poor craftsmanship. If something wasn’t right, he’d tear it down and start over, no matter how much time it took. He believed in doing things right or not doing them at all.

When it came to food, Dad was simple. Pizza on Fridays, pancakes on Saturdays, El Chico on Sunday nights. He wasn’t much of a cook, but he had his staples: pork chops, sausage, mac and cheese, and catfish. He’d take us to the catfish farm, where we’d spend hours fishing, and then he’d set up the electric skillet on the back patio to fry up our catch in a cornmeal batter. It was a ritual, and it was delicious.

Dad had a special way of making grilled cheese sandwiches, too. He’d spread Country Crock butter across Mrs. Baird’s bread, slap some American cheese in the middle, and just before handing it over, he’d poke his finger right through the middle, grinning as he walked away. It was a little joke that never got old…to him.

He enjoyed good Texas BBQ, cheap tex-mex, skillet queso from Chili’s, and a Starbucks white mocha from time to time. He enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, puzzle building, riding his motorcycle, and passionately yelling at the TV during football games. He enjoyed traveling, especially road trips. Driving was a specialty of his. Having a good time meant making good time. He valued punctuality. He’d rather be an hour early, than a minute late.

Mornings with Dad were never quiet. He’d wake us up in the loudest, most boisterous ways possible, shouting, “Rise and shine!” as if the day couldn’t wait another second. He was never late. He’d rather be an hour early than a minute late. Maybe it was the Marine in him. He was recognized for his marksmanship and was recommended for SEAL Sniper School. He earned two Purple Hearts in Vietnam and carried a piece of shrapnel in his leg for the rest of his life.

Dad was terrified of the water. Didn’t matter how deep… or shallow, he didn’t like it. That’s probably why he signed us all up for swim team and cheered passionately from safe and dry position.

He was a home builder, remodeler, and material estimator. He built the house we grew up in with his own hands, and then remodeled it again… and again… and again. As an estimator he ran circles around his coworkers doing the work by hand rather than using an auto-cad system. Parts of our house always smelled like blueprints hot off the press.

We spent many a weekend at Home Depot. Never Lowe’s. On every job site we were on together, he’d inevitably say, “I’m getting too old for this,” and then try to convince us to pursue something different, something better. We’d talk about it over lunch at Whataburger. He wanted more for us, always. To this day the craving for Whataburger after a hard day’s work is irresistible.

Dennis Ray Retzloff was more than just a man who worked hard and loved deeply. He was a character, a dad, a grandpa, a brother, and a friend. And while we’ll miss him dearly, we’ll always carry his stories, his laughter, and his love with us. Can’t complain, right, Dad?

Dennis joins his parents Albert and Evelyn Retzloff in Heaven. He is survived by us, his children—Jennifer Collins (Bryan Collins), Mark Retzloff (Sarah Retzloff), and Bryan Retzloff—and his grandchildren, August Retzloff, Everett Collins, Cooper Collins, Ashley Retzloff, Riley Collins, Oliver Retzloff, and Jacob Collins. His siblings, Larry Retzloff, Curtis Retzloff, Leonard Retzloff, Harold Retzloff, and Mary Schroeder, and Beverly Zweifel also carry his memory forward.

We would like to thank Dad’s siblings, our aunts and uncles, for standing by us during this time to lay their brother to rest. Together we are hosting a Wake 5-7 pm on Thursday the 5th at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home. We will gather to celebrate Dennis’s life Friday Sept 6th 9:30 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home and burial at 11 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery followed by lunch at Blanco BBQ (one of Dad’s go-to spots). Addresses below.

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

1701 Austin Hwy

San Antonio, TX 78218

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd

San Antonio, TX 78209

Blanco BBQ

13259 Blanco Rd

San Antonio, TX 78216