Richard Donald Retz, M.D., 87, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Moline, Illinois, died October 8, 2023.
He was born May 5, 1936, in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Donald and Erana (Anderson) Retz. He graduated from Oelwein Senior High School in 1954. He received a B.A. degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois in 1958. He received a Doctorate of Medicine degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa in 1962. He married Miriam Osburn in December 1962. He was a resident in General Surgery 1963-1970 at Hurley Hospital in Flint, Michigan. His residency was interrupted in 1966-1968 when he served as Senior Medical Officer at U.S. Naval Communication Station, North West Cape, Western Australia. He was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1968 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
In July of 1970 Dr. Retz began his private practice of medicine specializing in General Surgery in Moline, Illinois where he practiced until he retired from General Surgery Associates in 2000.
A pearl of wisdom written by Dick for the University of Iowa Medical Students on the occasion of the 40th reunion of the Class of 1962: “The world has enough takers, become a giver in this life! Participation in community activities will give you a different perspective and understanding of humanity which in turn will make you a more complete physician!”
His commitment to education led Dr. Retz to serve as a member of the Moline schools Board of Education, and as its President from 1982-1983. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and participated in its International Student Exchange program and hosted several students. He also served as the President of the Moline Rotary Club in 1995.
Dr. Retz met Sue Wieneke in 2008 at a Grief Support Group after they both had lost their spouses in 2007. Each had been married for 45 years and they both considered their meeting and subsequent nine years of married life a reflection of God’s Divine Intervention. They married in Minnesota along the north shore of Lake Superior in June, 2010.
Dr. Retz was truly thankful for what he thought was an unbelievably good life in his earthly journey because of the privilege of medically caring for people. Becoming a member and Elder of Faith Lutheran Church was another blessing, and he continued to serve his congregation through the last years of his life.
Dr. Retz is survived by his son Stephen (Amal); daughter Martha Williams (Shawn) and her children Riain, Emma, and Owen Curran, and 3 great-grandchildren; son Mark (Dana) and his daughter Mia; and brother, Konrad Miskowicz-Retz (Gail). He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Erana, sister Linda, and wives Miriam and Sue. Dick’s stepchildren are Richard and Robert Wieneke, San Pedro, CA, and Rich’s children Cerah Maya Marie and Henry Richard.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown on December 19, 2023 at 10:30 am with Reverend Walt Pohland officiating.
An online obituary is at www.ramseyfuneral.com.
Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas, 78628.