Lenore M. Retzke

Lenore Marie Retzke, 93 of Rockford, died Friday, July 23, 2010 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a brief illness. Born January 14, 1917, in Chicago, the daughter of Leonard H. and Marie J. (Lundy) Johnson. Married Charles H. Retzke on Feb. 27, 1942 in Park Ridge. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping and golfing and were avid Chicago Bears Fans. Lenore was also a volunteer at St. Rita Catholic Church, where she enjoyed many friendships and was a member of the Widows club and the VIP club. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of her new and caring friends at the Bickford House and Stephine, R.N. at OSF St. Anthony. Survivors include her children, Cliff (Bette) Retzke and Karen (Russ) Oellig; grandchildren, Michele Thorn, Kristin (Scott) Free, Tracey (Mark) Hinck, Todd (Shellee) Oellig and Chad (Tamra) Oellig; 5 step grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; two brothers, William (Jacqueline) Johnson and Robert Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles, in 1987; sister, Doris R. and brother-in-law, Joseph Einecker and sister-in-law, Irene Johnson. Funeral Mass, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6284 Valley Knoll Drive with visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to a Cancer Research fund or St. Rita Catholic School.