Francis "Fran" Retelle

MADISON - Francis (Fran AKA “The Rat” and “Know Your Beat”) Levi Retelle, 76, of Madison, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 16, 1947, in Madison, Wis., the eldest son of Russell and Helen (McNamara) Retelle and the second oldest of eight siblings. Fran spent part of his childhood on the east side, less than a block from the Little League field where his youngest grandson, Quincy, recently started playing. After moving to the near west side, Fran attended Blessed Sacrament and West High schools, graduating in 1965. He was particularly close to his four brothers, and had many fond memories of the various hijinks they got into.

Fran met his devoted wife Kathleen (Kathie) Renzoni, at Whitewater State University, and they were married in 1968. He continued his studies at MATC, earning his associate degree in business in 1969. The following year, he joined the Madison Police Department and began a 32-year career “catching the bad guys/gals.” Fran was proud of his work as a detective, with specialties including burglary investigations and work with the SWAT team. After his retirement, he continued with the Department of Corrections on the SAFE team. He loved his work and established lifelong friendships with his law enforcement colleagues.

Fran enjoyed golfing, bowling, baseball and traveling. Road trips out West with Kathie and their son, Chad, were memorable, and in later years, regular trips to San Francisco and Door County with family were highlights. Fran was thrilled to venture abroad for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Italy and Paris with Kathie and Chad in 2006.

Ever the devil’s advocate, Fran was always eager to debate differing viewpoints and was affectionately known as “the Curmudgeon.” When Kathie started her own retail business, Savoir Faire, he was a great supporter and helped with many tasks. His proudest achievement was his son, Chad, and his family and their accomplishments, and he relished cheering on his awesome grandsons in their sporting and musical pursuits. Fran was not much of a cook, but he was known for his Hungarian goulash and delectable salmon recipes, which remain secret to this day. He always felt fortunate to be surrounded by his extraordinary family and friends.

Fran is survived by his wife, Kathie; son, Chad (Katie Dean) Retelle; grandsons, Sawyer and Quincy Retelle; siblings, Patricia Retelle, Michael (Pam) Retelle, Kevin (Mary) Retelle, Tom (Karen) Retelle, Linda Retelle, Gary (Tammy) Retelle and Ellen (Tim) Bredemus; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his infant son, Shawn Levi Retelle.

A good ole Irish celebration of life is being planned for mid-August. Please leave a message on the “share a memory” section if you would like to be notified of the details. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761