JOHN J. KRETZER, SR.
1944-2012

John J. Kretzer, Sr., 68, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2012, at Heartland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in St. Joseph, on May 25, 1944 to Emerson & Lillian (Rehm) Kretzeer. He was a lifelong St. Joseph resident & a 1962 graduate of Christian Brothers High School.
John's career was carpentry and millwright at many local area companies, including Quaker Oats, Kawasaki, Trenton Foods, Johnson Controls and Mead Products. Mr. Kretzer retired in 2002, during his last years he worked at the former Friskies plant for Lehr Construction.
John was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church; the Carpenter's Local No. 110 for over 40 years and was a founding member of the Retiree's Club; the Pony Express Pistol League; a Lifetime Member of the NARA and the St. Joseph Rifle and Pistol Club.
John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He also had many hobbies including fishing, hunting, golfing, gardening, model railroading, playing pool and cards.
John was very talented in painting, sketching and leatherwork
He married Ruth Keeney on May 2, 1964 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, celebrating 48 years of marriage.
She survives of the home. Additional survivors include his children, Sandy & John, Jr. of St. Joseph; Lisa Adams, Lebanon, MO; a brother Gary (Jolinda) Kretzer, Sr., St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Drew, Paige and Matthew "Chase" Ellis; numerous nieces and nephews; and faithful dog, Tiger.
John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Emerson, Charles & Richard Kretzer; and a son-in-law, Matthew R. Ellis.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Wednesday, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Rosary: 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or outdoor potted plants or bushes would be appreciated.