Kurt E Kretschmer

Kurt Kretschmer, 37, went to his eternal home on Monday, May 18, 2020, after a 10 month battle with leukemia. Kurt was born in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, the youngest of Gary and Debbra Kretschmer. He graduated high school in 2001, and entered the workforce at KHS Inc., a manufacturer of filling and packaging equipment. In life, Kurt exemplified intelligence, honesty, and drive. These qualities, along with a strong work ethic, made him successful at each role he played in the company, at first assembling parts in the capper department, to traveling around the world as a Field Service Technician, eventually becoming a Project Manager. His most recent, and one of his favorite roles, was a Regional Service Manager. He was very proud to say that he had worked for the company for 18 years and wanted so badly to get back at it. Kurt had a love for all things fishing and hunting. He was known to take several fishing and hunting trips throughout the year to fill the freezer from his expeditions. He loved sharing his passion with his children in hopes that they would one day, too, love the outdoors as much as he did. Kurt was very proud to share his love for hunting and fishing with his wife, Audra. He proposed to her on the rolling hills of Iowa while pheasant hunting. Kurt married Audra Wentland on July 21, 2007, and they continued to spend much of their time outdoors, fishing and hunting together, with their hunting dog Reese by their side. They enjoyed family time, grilling/cooking together, shooting sporting clays, gardening/working on their yard, and most recently kayaking. Kurt and Audra have two beautiful children, Greysen (8 years old) and Greta (5 years old), who thought the world of their dad and admired him dearly. Anyone who knew Kurt was drawn to his infectious personality, his heart of gold and his love for Jesus. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold...As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:2&30 Kurt is survived by his wife (Audra), his two children (Greysen and Greta), his nephew (Austin Schmidt), his sister (Tonya Kretschmer), his parents (Gary and Debbra Kretschmer), his sister-in-law (Erin Wentland), his in-laws (Richard and Kathryn Wentland), as well as many other family and friends. Kurt was preceded in death by his favorite fishing companion, his uncle (Al Kretschmer), his grandparents (Kurt and Paula Kretschmer), his aunt (Barbie Zielinski), as well as his grandmother (Shirley Oppert). A private graveside service will be held at Glenview Memorial Gardens on June 5th. A Celebration of Life is being planned for July 11th for all loved ones and friends to honor and remember Kurt. More information will be shared as plans are finalized. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any of the following that were close to Kurt’s heart… A recent goal of Kurt and Audra’s was to start saving for their children’s college funds. These memorials can be made directly to the Kretschmer family. Kurt had a strong connection to his church and a deep love for their mission; “Changing Lives and Eternities.” Kurt’s faith grew stronger through this mission over the years. Memorials can be made to Hope Church (link below), to help change more lives and eternities like Kurt’s. Over the years, and especially during Kurt’s battle with cancer, he enjoyed daily devotions and videos to help grow his faith and stay rooted in Jesus through Time of Grace. Memorials can be made to Time of Grace (link below), to help share God’s message of grace to more people like Kurt.