Bette J. Retzke

“Loving Wife & Devoted Mother”

Bette J. Retzke, 71, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2015, with her family by her side. Born on February 27, 1944; to parents Martin and Mildred (Johnson) Olson. She married her husband Cliff, on August 10, 1984, in Rockford. Bette was employed at Sundstrand for 25 years, retiring in 1999. She was a member of the Blackhawk Athletic Club, and enjoyed traveling, reading, and golfing with her husband. Bette is survived by her husband, Cliff; children, Jeanne (Chuck) Lee, John (Nancie) Rudolph, Tony Rudolph, Michele Thorn, Kristin (Scott) Free; brother, Robert “Bo” (fiancé, Renee Barker) Olson; sister-in-law, Karen (Russ) Oellig; 8 grandchildren, Nick, Kelsie, Dylan, Bryan, Alysia, Jamie, Jenna, and Jason; and 3 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents. Bette’s family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Mete Korkmaz, the OSF Cancer Center Nurses, and OSF Hospice Staff Nurses Marilyn and Julie. A memorial service will be 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2015, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. Visitation will be Friday, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bette’s favorite charity; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.