Obituary of Willis Alex Retrum

Willis �Bill� Alex RETRUM, age 91, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the The Glen in Whitewater, WI with his daughter and Pastor Jerry Wendt at his side. Bill was born on a farm in Lima Township, Wisconsin on August 8, 1919, the son of William and Alexanderine (Robarge) Retrum. He graduated from Whitewater College High School. On April 15, 1944, Bill married Audrey Harnden in Whitewater and they continued to enjoy an extremely loving marriage until Audrey�s death on November 24, 2010. Bill farmed in the Whitewater area and in 1946 he moved into town to work for the Hawthorn Melody Company, retiring in 1981 after 35 years. He also worked part time for the lumber company. Bill was a member of the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater where he served as a council member and past president. In 1949, Bill joined the St. John's Masonic Lodge #57 in Whitewater where he became master in 1974. He was a former worship master and high priest of the Royal Arch #60, and Commandrie #2 of Janesville and former member of the Quarterback Club. He was president of Hillside Cemetery for many years and he also mowed and did up keep at the cemetery. Bill battled diabetes for approx. 50 years, but had also kept active. He was a member of the Whitewater Country Club and loved playing golf. For years, he enjoyed kittenball, refinishing antique furniture, and going to the university and high school football and basketball games. Bill and Audrey also enjoyed going to the horse races and he had a race horse named after him. Surviving are: His only child: Barbara Burton, Hampshire, IL, sister, Elaine Hish and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Audrey, two brothers: Lester and Clifford Retrum, and three sisters: Edith Voss, Wilma Smith, and Laurie Cluver and their spouses, nephew Laverne Voss and son-in-law Ron Burton Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 15, 2011, at 11:00AM at the First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating with a Masonic Service to follow. Bill will be buried with Audrey in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, Wisconsin. Friends may call after 10:30AM on Friday at the church until the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson, WI or to St. John's Masonic Lodge #57 of Whitewater, WI. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.