William Retrum

William (Bill) Stephen Retrum of Estes Park, Colorado, passed away on January 19, 2018. His passing was peaceful and surrounded by loved ones. A family-only service will be held to celebrate his life.

Bill was the son of Rowland and Dorothy Retrum, and brother to John Retrum. He was born on February 16, 1945 in Huntingburg, Indiana, and was named after his mother's beloved brother, William C. Menke, who, as a Navy pilot, lost his life during World War II.

In 1953, Bill's family moved to Waterloo, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa where he met and married his college sweetheart Martha Ruth Lipton, on December 17, 1966. Upon Bill's receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1968, the couple moved to Aspen, Colorado, where Bill held a variety of jobs including reporter and photographer for the Aspen Illustrated News, and later, officer with the City of Aspen Police Department. Throughout the remainder of his life Bill would frequently reflect on his time and close friends in Aspen.

In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge in 1974. In 1970 Bill and Martha moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he attended the University of Colorado School of Law. Bill spent his first five years in law practice as a Deputy State Public Defender. The remainder of his practice was spent in partnership with close colleagues, one of whom included his brother, John.

In 1977, Bill and Martha welcomed their son, Iver Lipton Retrum, into the world. As a father, Bill enjoyed spending time with his son, sharing and passing down the things that he loved. In 2001, Bill and Martha divorced. Bill moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Bill was known by family and friends for his sharp sense of humor, and his love of dogs (in particular, Poker, Connie, Spider, Spot, and Piper), photography, aviation, music, computers, politics and trains. In his later years he circled the country by rail many times over. Bill was well-read and a diehard liberal political junky who relished a good debate. His personality was gregarious; he loved sharing stories with friends and family. He will be missed dearly.

Bill is survived by his only son, Iver Retrum and wife Jessica of Littleton, Colorado, grandson Lars Retrum. He is also survived by his only brother, John Retrum (with wife Brenda and sons Jack and Brian) of Golden, Colorado.