Wolfgang Hans Kretschmer

Wolfgang Hans Kretschmer, 86, died April 23, 2026. Born April 27, 1939, in Germany, Wolfgang came to the United States at the age of 19 and built a life marked by steady purpose and quiet determination. A resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Kretschmer; his parents; her sister-in-law, Jeanette (Jeannie) Tolles; and his brother-in-law, Gerald (Jerry) Barrett.

Survived by his step-daughter, Tricia (Aaron) Thornton; his step-son, Andy Pruitt; sisters-in-law, Susan Rupp of Omaha, NE, Sandra Brittain of Omaha, NE, Beverly Barrett of Council Bluffs, IA, and Sharron (Tom) Price of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Shawn Smith Jr. and Samantha Smith; and great-grandchildren, Skyla Smith, Saylor Smith, and Salina Smith.

Work was a defining thread throughout Wolfgang’s life. He took pride in showing up, putting in the effort, and doing things the right way—values that carried him through many years as a laborer and earned him promotion to supervisor in two positions. Later, he devoted many years to work in a bakery before retiring, bringing the same reliability and diligence to each day.

In retirement, Wolfgang found enduring joy in the simple beauty of growing things. He loved flowers and spent hours at a time tending to his garden, a patient and faithful caretaker of what he planted—an everyday devotion that reflected the steadiness with which he lived.

A Graveside Service will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106, on May 4, 2026, at 10:30 am.

Following the Graveside Service will be a memorial gathering at Main Street Tavern, 519 Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the Nebraska Humane Society: https://support.nehumanesociety.org/site/Donation2?4606.donation=form1&df_id=4606&mfc_pref=T&fees=on