Memorial services for 70-year old Kendall “Blondie” Retzlaff of Lusk, Wyo, are Monday, Oct 24, 2022, at 11:00 at Pier Funeral Home in Lusk.
The family asks that you wear your favorite Nebraska Husker or Wyoming Cowboy apparel to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Niobrara County Golf Course in Lusk.
Online condolences may be made at pierfh.come
Kendall A Retzlaff was born February 14, 1952, to Harold and Nadine (Hoagland) Retzlaff in Gordon, NE. He passed away unexpectedly at home on October 18, 2022.
Kendall grew up in Clinton, NE, and attended Clinton School through his childhood years, later attending and graduating from Gordon High School in 1970. He was very athletic and outgoing, and a top competitor in his high school years and beyond.
After graduation, Kendall worked several odd jobs, including working for his father at the elevators in Clinton (Retzlaff Grain), owner of Western Bar, and Harris Sales. Later dedicating his life/career to the Chicago & NorthWestern Railway/Union Pacific Railroad, where he retired after 37 years.
Kendall was an avid softball player, golfer, pool player, hunter, and outdoorsman. He was a true Husker Fan and his favorite saying was “we got ‘em right where we want ’em”, even if the Huskers were trailing by 20.
Kendall was married to Sharon Shedeed in 1972, and to this union three children were born: Melanie Dawn in 1973, Robin Christopher in 1975, and Nichole Lynn in 1981.
Kendall married his current wife, Dena (Larson) Retzlaff, in 1997 and together they built their “forever home” on 2008 on Indian Creek on the Larson Homestead, near Lusk
Kendall was a fun-loving husband, father, brother, and friend who was always up for an adventure and never turned down a cold beer. He was known to many as “Blondie” for his notorious long blonde hair and for spending more time in the bathroom than most women.
Kendall was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nadine Retzlaff.
He is survived by his wife, Dena Retzlaff; his children: Melanie (Ty) Bourne of Clinton, NE; Robin (Stephanie) Retzlaff of Alliance, NE; and Nichole (Brad) Younkin of Rushville, NE; and his grandchildren: Shelby (Brice) Stangle, Ethan Bourne; Jackson Retzlaff, Ryley Retzlaff, Gracyn Younkin, Kenley Younkin, and Oaklyn Younkin.
Kendall is also survived by his siblings: Kerry (Sherry) Retzlaff; Keith (Vickie) Retzlaff; and Kristi (Keith) Paul; mother-in-law Marylou Larson; father-in-law Terry Larson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and BMWED brothers and sisters.
Pier Funeral Home of Lusk is in charge of arrangements for Kendall Retzlaff.
Kendall was an outstanding athlete when he played baseball for Rushville in the ’60s and we fondly remember him when Larry coached the team. He certainly will be missed by many friends and family. RIP, Kendall!
I lived in Clinton lived across the hiway from Retzlaff Grain. Watched Kendall play sports. He was good in everything he did. Thoughts and prayers to Kerry, Keith, Kristi and families RIP