Date of death: 10/21/2013
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1976
Joseph William Retzner, 63, of New Palestine, passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at I.U. Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on March 21, 1950, in Batesville, the son of Raymond and Edna (Merkel) Retzner.Mr. Retzner received his Master’s Degree in Engineering from Purdue University. Joseph married Karen (Bradley) Retzner on Oct. 23, 1976, in Indianapolis.He worked as a Civil Engineer for Coreslab Structures, formally America Precast Concrete, of Indianapolis. Joseph was a member of Knights of Columbus and also St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Greenfield. In his free time, Joseph enjoyed traveling, wine making and gardening.He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Karen; daughters, Virginia (Victor) Quesada, Lisa Retzner, Nicole (Daryl) Witkowski; brothers, Raymond (Dorine), Martin (Barb); sisters, Cecilia (Dave), Rita (Art), Helen (Jim); and grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph and Elijah.Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edna.Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Father Bill Stumpf will be officiating. Entombment will follow at Washington Park East in Indianapolis.Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310 White Plains, NY 10605.Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.