HENRY RETZ

MATTHEWS -- Henry John Retz, 74, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, from injuries received in an automobile accident.

He was born June 4, 1924, at Suffern, N.Y., son of Louis and Mary Wilma Teller Retz. He and Susan E. Birish were married Dec. 28, 1946, in Tuxedo, N.Y.

Retz had been a self-employed farmer for 60 years, moving to the area from Middletown, Del. He had been a member of the board of directors of the Delaware Farm Bureau. In 1984, he won a first-place award for the highest yield per acre of corn in the state. He also owned and operated for 20 years Retz Builders Inc. in Middletown. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Henry G. Retz of Catron, Robert A. Retz of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and John E. Retz of Middeltown; a sister, Helen Conklin of Mahwah, N.J.; four grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

A brother preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, with parish prayers at 7:30.

Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Xavier Church, with Monsignor William Stanton officiating. Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery.