Nona Retzer, 89, died peacefully on Aug 19th, 2024 with her son and daughter by her side and the sun on her face. Nona was a devoted wife to Gene Retzer (deceased) and beloved mother to Mike (Karen) and Susan (Mark), grandmother to Rachel (Sam Bean) and David (Molly) Wisthuff and great-grandmother to Elise Bean. Nona Mae Goble was born in 1935 in a chicken yard near Westfield, IL, the 4th of 5 daughters to Foster and Louise Goble.  Nona began her education in a one room schoolhouse, following her older sisters to school until the teacher simply allowed her to stay. She inherited her father's love of books and carried that with her through her 1952 graduation from Westfield High and 1955 graduation from St. Francis
School of Nursing.  After nursing school, Nona married Gene Retzer and settled in Peoria where she worked for a few years as a nurse and then devoted her time to being a wife and mother.  As the children grew, Nona volunteered in their schools and with the American Cancer Society, sang in a choir, played bridge and employed her talents as a decorator and handyman at home.
As an empty nester, Nona returned to school, and in 1989 she achieved B.S. degrees in Speech and Hearing Science and Special Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude.  After graduation, she worked in the Peoria school system until her retirement in 2006, truly loving the time she spent with special needs children and her co-workers.
Mom loved painting, holding offices with the local chapter of American Association of University Women, traveling, a good historical novel, a clean house, a nice glass of Chardonnay, cooking for her family and beautifying our country home near Kampsville, IL.  But most of all, Mom loved her husband, her children and their families.  Thank you for loving us, Mom.  We love you back.
Nona’s life celebration and service will be private. Memorials may be made to UNICEF, Help ChildrenNow | UNICEF USA, Planned Parenthood  Donate to Planned Parenthood Action Fund. or the Champaign County Humane Society Make a Donation