Meet Jim and Darlene Retzloff, a wonderful couple whose story is filled with love, adventure, and lasting friendships.

Both born and raised in Wisconsin, Jim and Darlene’s paths first crossed thanks to a mutual friend—and the rest, as they say, is history. The couple married in 1961, beginning a life journey full of shared experiences and cherished memories.

In 1959, Jim was drafted into the military, and early in their marriage the couple lived at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Darlene recalls those years fondly, sharing that she built strong friendships with other wives on base and truly didn’t mind the experience of military life.

After their time on base, Darlene spent several years teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, working with students up to fifth grade. She later continued to teach as a substitute and was often told she had a special gift for it. Her warmth and dedication made a lasting impression on her students.

Jim enjoyed a long and fulfilling 35-year career as an engineer at Alliant Energy, where he made many good memories and was fortunate to retire early. The Retzloffs raised their three children, two daughters and a son, in Northern Wisconsin, surrounded by the beauty of lake country and a few peaceful acres of property. Today, they are proud grandparents of three grandchildren, all living nearby in Madison. Although they’ve experienced the deep loss of their son, they continue to celebrate family and cherish the blessings in their lives.

Throughout the years, Jim and Darlene have enjoyed traveling and cruising, collecting memories from destinations around the world. They spent about ten years living in Bradenton, Florida, before deciding to return home to Wisconsin. When it came time to settle back in, they chose Renaissance Senior Living of Hilldale—and say it was the perfect decision.



Jim and Darlene share that they feel truly blessed and are grateful for the welcoming community they’ve found here. They love staying active, meeting new friends, and enjoying everything Renaissance has to offer. “It felt like home so quickly,” they say—and we couldn’t be happier to have them as part of our Renaissance family!