Gerald Kretschmer

Gerald O. Kretschmer, age 80, of Merrill, died May 7, 2010, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital . He was born January 9, 1930 in Merrill, the son of the late Oscar and Minnie (Heirse) Kretschmer. He married the former Dorothy Carlson on June 9, 1956 in Merrill. She preceded him in death on October 23, 2009.

Gerald was a 1948 graduate of Merrill Senior High School . He then joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. Gerald worked for the Ward Paper Mill, in Merrill, in the maintenance department, until retiring in 1992. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where he participated in many of the church’s activities. Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He also loved visiting his cottage and spending time with his family.

Gerald is survived by 1 daughter; Joann (Jeffery) Erickson of Kenosha, 5 sons; Richard (Jodene) of Merrill, Gregory of Wausau, Paul of Merrill, Mark (Alescia) of Euless, TX, and James of Merrill. 2 sisters; Alfrieda Rajek and Jean (Don) Becker both of Merrill. 9 grandchildren; Heather, Stephanie, Phillip, Jeremy, Emily, Krystal, Brandy, Tanner and Anthony. 1 great – granddaughter; Odessia. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Dorothy, 2 sisters and 4 brothers.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 AM, Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. The Rev. James Horath will officiate. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery . Friends may call on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Waid Funeral Home, and again on Wednesday from 10 AM until 11 AM at the funeral home. The Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .