Joachim "John" Karl Hermann Retzlaff

Joachim “John” Karl Hermann Retzlaff, 84, of Hot Springs, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in Germany on May 20, 1941, a son of the late Hans Emil Reinhold and Charlotte Else (Antonie) Retzlaff.

A native of Timmendorfer Strand, Germany, “John” as he was commonly known, came to Bath County in 1973 from Washington, D.C. and quickly became one of Bath’s most enterprising and beloved chefs. He began his work in Bath County as Head Chef at the Waterwheel Restaurant. From there, he (alongside his wife) continued on to become the owner and operator of Old Europe Restaurant and later John’s Steak House aka “Greystone,” as well as many other business adventures. Additionally, John worked in several noted restaurants in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and at the Gaslight Club in Washington, D.C. In his limited time away from work, John very much enjoyed international travel and cruises with his wife.

As well as his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Susanne “Susi” (Retzlaff) Shaver, two sisters, and one brother.

In addition to his wife, Gudrun (Petermann) Retzlaff of Hot Springs, John is survived by son, Thomas Retzlaff and wife, Lisa of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Erika Shaver, Thomas Shaver II, Jackson Retzlaff, and Emma Retzlaff Williams and husband, Travis; his great-grandson, Kash Williams; a nephew, several nieces, and a sister-in-law in Germany; as well as a sister-in-law in Switzerland.

John’s family invite community members and friends to join with them to celebrate his life at the Waterwheel Restaurant (where it all began) at the Gristmill Square in Warm Springs on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m.