Obituary of Martha Retzer

MARTHA RETZER, age 90 of Lodi, CA, passed to her rest on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at the home of her brother, Harvey Retzer, in Chico, CA following a short illness. She was born on January 20, 1913 in Hoven, South Dakota to Karl and Maria Anna (Schaible) Retzer. Martha was the second eldest of the Retzer children. She attended elementary school in Hoven and moved with her family to Bowdle, South Dakota in 1922 and to Lodi in 1932. As a young lady she worked as a housekeeper in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Mateo and Burlingame. In 1944 she began her lifelong work with The Voice of Prophecy radio and television ministry in Glendale, CA as a secretary. She was delighted to moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1957 and work at the Voice of Prophecy Bible School there for the next seven years. Upon her return stateside, she continued working at the VOP in Glendale and retired in 1978 after thirty-four years of employment. Following her retirement she moved to Lodi. She enjoyed knitting and tatting. Martha was a member of Fairmont Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lodi. Survived by four brothers, Lenford Retzer of Lodi, Elder Helmuth Retzer of St. Helena, Elder Fernon Retzer of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Elder Harvey Retzer of Chico; a sister, Delores Buller of Napa. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Maria Anna Retzer; sister, Ann Gildersleeve and brother, Dr. Norman Retzer. Graveside services will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park with Pastor Ralph Watts III, of Fairmont Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating. Visitation at Lodi Funeral Home will begin on Wednesday from 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to Noon. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Voice of Prophecy, P. O. Box 55, Los Angeles, CA 90053.