Fred Paul Kretzer

Fred Paul Kretzer, 90, is in the arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He passed away on September 16, 2013. He was born at home in Williamsport, MD on January 28, 1923. He was the son of Paul Daniel Kretzer and Lovesse Kathryn Wishard Kretzer. His brother, Marshall Cleveland Kretzer and sister, Thelma Kretzer Schildtknecht, preceded him in death. His surviving sisters are Alice Kretzer Mellott and Margaret Ann Kretzer Clopper. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Miriam Grace Kretzer, his sons, Jeff Kretzer (Deena), Chesterfield, VA, Dan Kretzer (Susan) Broken Arrow, OK, and his daughter, Jennifer Helm (Jeff), Memphis, TN. Fred’s grandchildren were the delight of his life. Grandchildren include, Rachel Helm, Memphis, TN, Carly Funkhouser (Jason), Goochland, VA, Natalie Kretzer, Duke School of Medicine, Paul Kretzer, Oklahoma State University, Elizabeth Kretzer, University of Arkansas. Fred and Miriam have also been blessed with two great-grandsons, Brayden and Tyler Funkhouser.

Fred served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a fighter pilot during WWII in the 79th Fighter Group, 85th Squadron, based in Italy. He flew 55 combat missions into enemy territory. Before the war, he completed two years of college at the Univ. of Maryland. Upon the end of the war and his return, he attended Penn State where he earned his degree in Industrial Engineering. Fred was a natural athlete all of his life. He was an All American soccer player at Penn State and he shot his age in golf when he was 84. He was a gifted manager of people, resources and production throughout his career. He worked for National Supply Co., Gainesville, TX, Collins Radio, Richardson, TX, United Technologies, Lancaster, PA, ITT Automotive Electrical, Detroit, MI and retired from ITT Fiber Optics in Roanoke, VA at the age of 70.

As a father and a husband, he was fiercely devoted, patient, understanding, involved and always, always full of fun and laughter. He bestowed a love for Christ and His creations to his family and friends. He served in Lutheran Churches wherever they lived and made sure his children were dressed and in the car in time to attend the early service at church. He and Miriam have lived life devoted to one another and their family through the grace of the Lord. Without exception, daily, Fred thanked the Lord for “the privilege of life and (the) good health” with which he was blessed.

Visitation will be Friday, September 20th 2013,10-11 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Park, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m..

The family requests that any memorials be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church.