Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com>
on 24/Jan/2024
71.223.227.14
Frederick Joseph Kretz passed peacefully January 11, 2024,
at the age of 91 in Bend, Oregon. Fred was born May 31, 1932
in Newburgh, New York to Phillip and Katherine Kretz. He
married Mary Byrne on August 5, 1961 and went on to enjoy a
loving marriage for 54 years. Fred lost the love of his
life, "Meb" to Parkinsons in 2015. Fred graduated from Le
Moyne College with a degree in business. In his early years
Fred was an accomplished speedskater, a hobby he enjoyed
throughout his life. After college Fred served in the US
Army and was based in Germany. He later worked for Dupont
Chemicals in Newburgh, NY in Finance. In 1967 Fred and Meb
moved to Essex Vermont where he worked at IBM until he
retired. It was there that they raised their four children.
Fred was a dedicated father who spent many a cold Vermont
night flooding his back yard to create an ice-skating rink
for the neighborhood kids. He could always be found on the
sidelines of his children's various sporting events as a
supportive spectator. After retirement Fred and Meb moved to
McMinnville, Oregon. They enjoyed their retirement traveling
extensively to Europe as well as the east coast to visit
their grandchildren and many friends in New York and
Vermont. Fred volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a
member of the McMinnville Lions Club. He was an avid
woodworking enthusiast and loved making furniture and other
pieces for family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, skiing,
golf, camping, playing cards, reading, and a cold beer in
the afternoon. He was a good friend to many and was always
willing to lend a hand when needed. He had lifelong
friendships that dated back to his childhood and friends he
made later in life during retirement. Fred enjoyed spending
time with his family above all. He will be missed.
Fred is preceded in death by his spouse, Mary Byrne. He is
survived by son, Thomas Kretz and daughter in law Catherine
Kretz, son, Stephen Kretz; daughter Kathleen Kretz, daughter
Amy Kretz and son in law Matt Staples; grandchildren Kayla
(32), Haley (31), Katarina (28), Erika (24), Maxwell (22),
Reuben (18), Felix (16) and great granddaughter Elia (16
months). A service will be held in the spring and will be
announced at a later date
To send flowers to the family of Frederick, please visit our
floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frederick Joseph Kretz passed peacefully January 11, 2024,
at the age of 91 in Bend, Oregon. Fred was born May 31, 1932
in Newburgh, New York to Phillip and Katherine Kretz. He
married Mary Byrne on August 5, 1961 and went on to enjoy a
loving marriage for 54 years. Fred lost the love of his
life, "Meb" to Parkinsons in 2015. Fred graduated from Le
Moyne College with a degree in business. In his early years
Fred was an accomplished speedskater, a hobby he enjoyed
throughout his life. After college Fred served in the US
Army and was based in Germany. He later worked for Dupont
Chemicals in Newburgh, NY in Finance. In 1967 Fred and Meb
moved to Essex Vermont where he worked at IBM until he
retired. It was there that they raised their four children.
Fred was a dedicated father who spent many a cold Vermont
night flooding his back yard to create an ice-skating rink
for the neighborhood kids. He could always be found on the
sidelines of his children's various sporting events as a
supportive spectator. After retirement Fred and Meb moved to
McMinnville, Oregon. They enjoyed their retirement traveling
extensively to Europe as well as the east coast to visit
their grandchildren and many friends in New York and
Vermont. Fred volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a
member of the McMinnville Lions Club. He was an avid
woodworking enthusiast and loved making furniture and other
pieces for family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, skiing,
golf, camping, playing cards, reading, and a cold beer in
the afternoon. He was a good friend to many and was always
willing to lend a hand when needed. He had lifelong
friendships that dated back to his childhood and friends he
made later in life during retirement. Fred enjoyed spending
time with his family above all. He will be missed.