Theone A. Kreter

Theone “Toni” A. Kreter, 84 years of age, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St., St. Joseph, Friday, June 3, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Friends may visit with the family Thursday 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.  Those wishing to sign Theone’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Theone was born June 4, 1931 in Bainbridge, MI to Willard and Florence Seaburg. Sadly, her mother passed away during child birth in 1938.  Being age six at the time she was raised by Erwin and Iona Weber (Iona being her mother’s sister), along with three sons, Gordon, Gil and Floyd. Theone attended Bainbridge grade school and graduated from Watervliet High School. Theone also worked for Michigan Bell.  She met the love of her life Erwin H. Kreter and they were married after his military service on March 21, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, MI, of which they are still members. One of Theone’s greatest joys in life was having her first son Mark, born in 1958, followed be her second son Bob, born in 1961. She dedicated her life to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her love for the Lord was evident in everything she did including her unconditional love and support for her family. Theone very much enjoyed cooking and baking and was a specialist in preparing and serving birthday and holiday dinners.  She enjoyed eating out with her husband of 63 years who also was her only caretaker for the last 11 years.  Theone was a Detroit Tigers baseball fan.  She watched them on T.V. or listened to them on the radio.  Prior to illness she attended several home games. After suffering a debilitating stroke and other medical complications in 2005 and thereafter, she drew her strength from her faith which never wavered. She never gave up and was a true inspiration. Theone is survived by her loving husband Erwin, her sons Mark (Cathy) Kreter of Battle Creek, MI and Robert “Bob” (Susan) Kreter of Byron Center, MI, three grandsons Kevin and Kris Kreter of Dallas, TX and David Kreter of Byron Center, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents. Theone will be greatly missed by her husband and the entire family who loved her dearly.