OBITUARY
William Kretzschmar
August 1, 1938 – March 31, 2021
William (Bill) Kretzschmar passed away at home on March 31, 2021.
He is preceded in death by his father Paul Kretzschmar, his mother Elizabeth Donovan, his brother Paul Kretzschmar and his sister Elizabeth Lombardo.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Janet and two sons, Kevin and Todd Kretzschmar, two grandsons, Kade and Alex and daughter-in-laws, Kandi and Michelle.
He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY before joining the United States Marine Corps in January,1960. While serving in the Marine Corps, Bill flew the H-34 helicopter as well as the A-4 Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. He flew two tours in Vietnam and earned a Silver Star for gallantry in action.
After the Marine Corps, Bill began what was to become a 30 year career with American Airlines. While based in New York and Raleigh-Durham NC, he flew the Boeing 727, DC-10, Boeing 757 and 767.
After settling in Killingworth, CT at the beginning of his American Airlines career, Bill and Jan raised a family and developed many deep friendships that endured even after relocating to Cary, NC for their retirement years. Throughout his 31 years living in Cary, Bill developed new friendships with a variety of people in the community, including golf partners, neighbors and fellow volunteers. All the while, he maintained life-long friendships formed during his active Marine Corps days, traveling to reunions around the country.
Bill had many passions over the years, including softball, tennis, hiking, running, skiing, walking, golf and traveling. In addition to being physically active, he was an avid reader of all subjects, often having two books going at once. He was also an accomplished writer and photographer.
Bill loved the Marine Corps and continued to support his country and the military throughout his retirement as a volunteer at the Raleigh-Durham Airport USO. In 2018, he was named Raleigh-Durham Center USO Volunteer of the Year. Bill regularly contributed to USO newsletters and Marine Corps Aviation Association publications.
Bill will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a date TBD.
His family would like to thank all of those who assisted in his care recently and those who continue to offer their thoughts, prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
William Kretzschmar
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYNancy Meyhoefer
April 16, 2021
I was saddened by the loss of Bill Kretzschmar . My husband, ,,"Helmy" served in the Marine Corp with him during those Viet Nam years. ..They later flew for American Airlines together . .Bill made a lasting impression on all those who met him. He was an exceptional pilot and writer as we looked forward to his Holiday Newsletter and travel experiences back to Viet Nam. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and his wonderful family. I am sure that all of those who have passed are rejoicing in Heaven to see Bill again.
Love, Nancy
Cynthia McLaughlin
April 10, 2021
Bill, you are an American Hero, and our family is so proud and thankful to have had such a wonderful friendship with you, and to have been able to share in a small part of your incredible life. Thank you especially for being there for my husband, Mike, during his best days and his worst days. He thought the world of you, you know. Thank you for being there for the boys and I, after Mike's passing. We are all lucky to have known you Bill. Thank you for your caring, thoughtful ways and for your strength and amazing friendship. Rest in Peace.
Col. David Tarbox, USA, Ret
April 10, 2021
I served with Bill on the Monday, 3PM, afternoon shift at the USO.
Bill was an amazingly kind and generous volunteer.
He was attentive to the customers, and a wonderful raconteur to both the customers and his three fellow volunteers on duty with him.
It is a tremendous understatement to say we shall miss him greatly.
Bill is irreplaceable.
I am confident in my belief that he has already joined that great Marine Corps Chorale in Heaven singing mightily, "From the Halls of..."
Rest in Peace good and faithful Servant of the Lord.
Donnal Hiltbrunner
April 7, 2021
Ode to A6A Pilot KMAR
28 October’67
Launching from Chulai they did fly
Climbing North into the Night sky
Over the South China Sea they did drone
High In an Intruder all alone
Past the DMZ they did flow
Eighteen five hundred pounders in tow
Into Route Package Six they would glide
Haughty and Rude
Route Pack 6 would not Abide
Over the Red River following the bend
Into Harm’s Way they would extend
At Three Hundred Feet they would stride
Courage pumping thru their veins inside
Ol’ Man Doumer launching Fiery Darts at their Pride
But on at Five Hundred Knots they would ride
Sam Warnings wailing in their ear
They flew on without fear
Master Arm Switch On with a Feel
Intruder Encased in a Tunnel of Burning Steel
Radar a lock on Ol’ Man Doumer
His ThirtySeven, FiftySeven AntiAir a Blazing
The Night Hawk released on the Gomer
Through a CrossFire into a Wing Over
Outward Bound They did Maneuver
Feet Wet they soon did feel
Homeward Bound was Surreal
Donn Hiltbrunner
KMAR’s BN
DAVE FORTER
April 6, 2021
I flew several combat missions with Bill in Vietnam as his Bombardier/Navigator. I would also see him at reunions and received some of his writings via email. He was and excellent pilot, a good marine and a better man. He is a brother that I miss, but know that he had a life well lived and well loved. I wish his family well in this time of grief, but know that they must have many, many positive, happy memories.
Semper fi,
Dave
Richard (Dick) Tickner
April 6, 2021
When I transitioned from the A-4 Skyhawk to the A-6 Intruder, Bill was my instructor. He had gone through Navy training on the A-6, and was now tasked with training his fellow Marines on the aircraft. He was a gentleman to fly with, and helped me make the transition to the new aircraft a real pleasure. Several months later our squadron deployed to Chu Lai, Vietnam, where we served together for the next 13 months. It was a pleasure to serve with Bill,and I and his other squadron mates will miss him dearly.
Bob Shelton
April 5, 2021
January 1965 was when I first met Bill. I had just been commissioned and received my Wings of Gold and joined VMA(aw)242. Bill was one of the first to greet me and Jan was one of the first to call Carol. It was a friendship that would last for 50+ years.
Bill was one of the best story tellers and a gifted writer, those were just two of the many accomplishments in his life.. Carol and I always looked forward to his Christmas letter and visits with them. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.
Smooth skies, Blue side up and above all SEMPER FI
EARL Jacobson
April 5, 2021
a SKILLED AVIATOR AND TALENTED AUTHOR. The "KMar Grams" were a delightAnd will remain in our Memories
Ed Sipples
April 5, 2021
Billy K. Was a very proud leader and Jan was an excellent social director in Killingworth CT. My family and I moved into rural Cow Pen Hill from a suburban background. Bill K. And Ron Fine were the neighborhood leaders. Bill was very proud of his service to our country and also being an American Airlines Captain. When the men’s softball league was floundering, Bill stepped up to the plate and resurrected it. Although “the Bulls” were only mediocre, Bill had visions of us being champs! He was one of the most competitive players I ever met. When he and Jan left to move south, they left behind a big void.
Bill...feel proud of your accomplishments in life and the example you set for many of us. Thank you for having such a positive impact and rest peacefully in the everafter.
Nan Maples
April 5, 2021
Bill and I worked together on the USO Honors Support Team at RDU. I so admired him and have never met a more modest man , but true Hero! He will be missed by many...
Stephen Porcari
April 4, 2021
Remember the good times in the USMC we shared. Always, Steve and Josie
John & Clemmie Sodergren
April 4, 2021
Bill & family were our next door neighbors in Killingworth. We have fond memories of neighborhood gatherings at the kretzschmar’s & the well stocked bar in the game room. I think of them often when driving by the house & our younger days. Bill was certainly “once a Marine, always a Marine”, but there was his other side as a writer, photograper & good friend to all. Sometimes the gruff Marine would show thru, but no offense taken. He was a Hero in the truest sense as his combat record in Vietnam shows. As an ex Airforce pilot I tip my helmet to Bill as he takes his final flight.
John & Clemmie Sodergren
Vic Holdren
April 4, 2021
I was fortunate to work with Bill on the Honors Support Team and Tuesday Marines at the USO. He and I became friends and shared many conversations. He was a valued team member and I will very much miss his presence .Willie Kilo will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to Janet and the entire kretzschmar family.
Vic Holdren, USN/FBI retired.
David Cox
April 4, 2021
Bill was an outstanding member of the RDU USO Honors Support Team and was always ready to complete his assignment in a professional manner. He was well versed in all the various duties and could be trusted with any task. We will miss Bill's smile and gregarious personality on the HST - he was the best!
David Cox
Charles Clark
April 3, 2021
Bill and I were Marines together! I joined VMA(AW)242 as the last pilot and fresh out of flight training.
The new A6A Intruder had only one set of controls and and Bill being the check pilot drew me for my first flight!
We preflight, started and took to the air! Bill being Bill checked me out on my ability’s to fly the aircraft! Then went to the next part of my introduction, aerobatic and Bill thought me how to do them right!
That was the Marine way!
Hold the gates open Penny and I will be joining you!
Each year Penny and I have a drink to our departed friends!
Tonight our toast is to you! May God bless you !
Meg and Matt Segal
April 3, 2021
We have enjoyed working with Bill at the USO since we started volunteering about 15 years ago. He went above and beyond as a volunteer and will not just be missed by the entire USO team, but by the thousands of USO visitors who were touched by his personal interest in their military stories. Rest in peace my friend!
Georgina Kelly
April 3, 2021
I was so shocked to hear of Bill's passing, we had been friends for many years volunteering at the USO, he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
God Bless his family and be with them at this sad time.
Semper Fi.
Georgina Kelly.
Joe Donnelly
April 3, 2021
Bill was a loyal and dependable member of the USO RDU Honors Support Team for many years and I had the honor of being his Team Leader. It was always a pleasure to watch him talk with the young Marine Escorts, Honor Guards and Casualty Officers. They really looked up to him even before they realized they were in the presence of a Silver Star recipient. They were in an emotional time and his presence among them was comforting and inspiring. He will be missed by our USO friends and especially the Honors Team. Semper Fi, you old Marine!
Nancy Cochran
April 3, 2021
David and I are so fortunate to have had Jan and Bill as our neighbors for almost 25 years. Bill’s warm personality and wonderful sense of humor were always present. One special memory we have of Bill has to do with ACC football games. We are Wolfpack fans and Bill was an ardent Clemson fan. Several times on those Saturdays when we played Clemson, Bill would be sure to wear his Clemson sweatshirt for us to see. He will be missed.
Our condolences to Jan and family.
Nancy Cochran
Bobbie Hayes
April 2, 2021
Words can not express the shock and deep sadness I felt when I received an email Wed. am from Bob Inglis, my other team member on the Monday 1500-1900 shift at the USO at RDU. I was so very lucky to have spent so many Mondays with Bill! We both loved poetry and sometimes he would bring in a poem and share it or I would recite something I had remembered from my childhood. I had no idea he was sick and in the hospital. I wish that I had known, because I would have liked to have written a note to him. I'm grateful we all did get together one time at Bond Park for a "socially distanced" lunch this past Nov. and we were planning another for this Spring. He was so kind and generous and I will cherish those Mondays with him. I am sending love and prayers to Jan and his sons. He will be greatly missed! Bobbie Hayes
Chris Leach
April 2, 2021
I would work with Bill every Monday afternoon delivering food from the sky chefs. He always had a story, and a broad smile making everyone he knew feel very special. Bill, you have truly "slipped the surly bonds of earth", and will be missed
Jill Gitlin
April 2, 2021
I knew Bill from volunteering at the USO. I always looked forward to running into him and listening to one of his stories. Always put a smile on my face.
I will truly miss him.
Karl Graf
April 2, 2021
Joan and I are so very sorry to lose not only a neighbor but more importantly a friend and wonderful golfer. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jan, Kevin , Todd and their families .
He was a wonderful person and we will miss him so very dearly. I don’t think we’ll ever play a round of golf again without him being in our thoughts . Especially the 9th hole “Hagen Dazs “driving contest and the fourth hole “neighbor” hole. A hero to our country awarded the silver star for “doing a stupid thing” always humble never telling us why. He is deeply engrained in our lives. SALUTE to you.
Ken Mackes
April 2, 2021
As a fellow USO member I can say YOU WERE THE BEST . As a fellow pilot —- FLY HIGH BILL
Jeff and Nancy Usakewicz
April 2, 2021
Bill you were a shining light in the lives of your family and friends. Nancy and I have fond memories of you and will always remember your kindness and devotion. You were very proud of your military service to your country - a Marine tested and true! Semper Fi, my friend - You will be missed! Rest in Peace.
Tony and Janet Milanese
April 1, 2021
We will very much miss such a friend and very pleasant and humble man as Bill. Our hearts go out to Jan and the family. Tony and Janet Milanese