Victor John Kretz, Sr. of North Baltimore, Ohio, passed away peacefully at 3:33pm on July 25th, 2019 at Bridge Hospice, Findlay, Ohio.
He was born May 29, 1924, to Lawrence J. Kretz and Mary (Greblick) Kretz in Toledo, Ohio, the middle of 9 children. Vic was the co-owner of Kretz and Lewellen Masonry for more than 20 years. Vic served in the Navy during WWII as a Radarman and saw combat throughout the Pacific Theater. He met his beautiful bride, Joanne Evelyn Tunks, during the war and they married May 11, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio. They were married for over 63 years until her death in 2010.
Vic was a wonderful father, and his true passion was his family. Together they raised seven children – two daughters: Marilyn Swingle, and Vickie (Douglas) White, Sr.; and five sons: Victor, Jr.(Gwen), Richard (Cheryl), Ted (Rae), Thomas (Julie), and Scott (Cathy) Kretz.
He enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, especially all Cleveland sports. In his spare time, he also enjoyed playing golf and riding his bike. He especially loved and enjoyed his grandchildren, taking them to the park and playing with them every chance he had. He traveled to Washington, D.C. with his grandson as his chaperone on the Honor Flight out of Findlay, Ohio. He was a member of the Eagles 2633, American Legion 539 and the VFW, North Baltimore, Ohio.
Vic is survived by Vickie (Kretz) White, daughter; and sons: Victor Jr., Richard, Ted, Thomas, and Scott Kretz; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne. Vic was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; seven sisters; his daughter, Marilyn; and a grandchild, Sara Kretz.
Vic quit school to join the Navy and fight for the country during WWII but later earned his High School Diploma from Waite High School, Toledo, Ohio in 2014. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July, 29th, 2019 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church at 10:00am, with Pastor Ralph Mineo officiating.
Burial will follow at New Maplewood Cemetery where the American Legion Post 539 will present full military rites.
The Family will greet friends from 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday July 28 at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in North Baltimore and for one hour prior to the service (9:00-10:00am) on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Baltimore American Legion Post 539, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at www.coldrencrates.com.
