In Memory of Thomas A. Kretz, Jr.

Thomas Andrew Kretz, Jr., 58, of Worthington, MN died Friday, January 21, 2005 at Columbus Community Hospital.  Funeral services are 10:30 am Monday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with the Rev. Tom Weisbecker officiating.  Visitation is on Sunday from 4-7 pm at McKown Funeral Home with a Vigil service at 7:00 pm, also at the funeral home.  Visitation continues Monday morning from 8-10 am at McKown Funeral Home.  Interment is in All Saints Cemetery with Military Honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard.

Thomas Andrew Kretz, Jr. was born June 25, 1946 in Columbus to Thomas A. & Clara (Loeffler) Kretz, Sr. He grew up in Columbus. He went to High School at St. Bonaventure and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He served in the US Navy Seabees from 1966-1968, serving during Vietnam. After his first marriage and three children, he married Mary Welker on March 29, 1986 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked for Sands Livestock Systems, B-D Construction, Prorok Construction, and Nobles County Minnesota Highway Department. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandson, family and friends, harvesting his sons garden, playing cards, car racing, reading, Nebraska & Minnesota Vikings football, and enjoyed spending time at the cabin at Ernst Lake.

He is survived by:

Wife Mary Kretz of Worthington, MN
Daughter Tracey (Dave) Miller of Platte Center, NE
Son Thomas W. Kretz of Columbus, NE
Son Bill Kretz of Kearney, NE
Sister Mary Jane (Les) Crumley of Columbus, NE
Brother Bob Kretz of Bellwood, NE
Brother George (Teresa) Kretz of Schuyler, NE
Sister Betty Moore of Green Isle, MN
Sister Marge (Marv) Papa of Bellwood, NE
Sister Marilyn (Bill) Wondra of Columbus, NE
Grandson Dhalton Miller of Platte Center, NE
Several Nieces & Nephews

He is preceded in death by:

Father Thomas A. Kretz, Sr.
Mother Clara Kretz
Sister Norma (Ray) Hahn
Brother-in-law Carroll Moore