Glenn Clayton “Claytie” Retzer, Jr., age 75, a resident of Grantsburg passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

Glenn was born on November 20, 1946 in Superior to Glenn C., Sr. and June Retzer.

Claytie joined the United States Navy in 1965. He served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1972 with various medals of honor. When he returned home he joined his father working in their Coast to Coast Hardware store. Claytie spent 50 years in his store providing support and care for the town he loved.

He made many fishing trips to Canada and the Boundary Waters with his son Chuck, along with other friends, and always looked forward to deer hunting at Retzer’s Lodge. On weekends he and Karla would get together with their life long friends and play 500, he was a great card player and tough to beat. In later years Claytie discovered a passion for camping and spent summers with his wife, daughter and puppy dogs, rolling around Wisconsin, camper in tow. He worked on jigsaw puzzles everyday, completing over 200 in the last few years.

There was a huge soft spot in his heart for the family dogs and he spent time loving on them every day. Claytie was also a huge history buff and enjoyed watching any documentaries or movies about war.

Claytie was smart and sarcastic with a very quick wit. The first thing anyone who met him would say was that he was “rough around the edges”, but for those who REALLY knew him it was that he had a “heart of gold”. It has been said that he was a “conundrum”, even to those who knew him best.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Charles.

He is survived by his wife, Karla; children Rhonda (Jeff) Miller, Sally Retzer, Janna McBroom, and Nicole Retzer; grandchildren, Amy (Matt) Chadwick, Macy (Phil) Petrowitz, Abbey (Ben) Flanery, Jordyn (Ben) Kottke, Levi Miller, Zach Miller, Payton Lindblad, Jayden Lindblad; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Paul Retzer; sister, Holly Retzer; son in law, Randy Lindblad; his daughter dog, Mocha; grand dogs, Abita, Lafitte and Baily; along with other relatives and good friends.

Please come join us as we remember and celebrate the life of Clayton “Claytie” anytime between 2:00 and 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at T-Dawgs Event Center. At 3:00 PM there will be a short time of sharing followed by military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to Disabled American Veterans in Claytie’s name. www.dav.org

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.

Last Update: Jan 13, 2022 7:00 am CST