Edward J. Kretchman

Edward J. Kretchman, 88, of St. Joseph, went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, January 10, 2013 at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, with Rev. Eric Thorsen officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery, Scottdale. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical UCC or Royalton Township Fire Department. Those wishing to sign Edward’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Edward was born November 20, 1924 at Mercy hospital in Benton Harbor to Edward H. and Minnie B. (Fetke) Kretchman. He attended Tryon School through 8th grade and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1943. On November 25, 1952, he married the former Glorian Jane Fritz at the Zion Evangelical and Reform Church in St. Joseph. Edward spent his entire farming, as a 3rd generation to operate the family farm established by his grandfather in Royalton Township in1893. The size of the farm grew during the many years Edward farmed with his father and continued to expand as Edward and Glorian farmed and as their Son and daughter farmed with them. During his lifetime Edward was involved in all aspects of the fruits, vegetables, grains, hay, and livestock that have been produced on the farm. Edward was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical United Church, Michigan Farm Bureau, a member National Grape Cooperative for over 56 years, a member of Michigan Farm Bureau and also Pro-Fac Cooperative. He also served as Committeeman for National Grape Cooperative for many years and as Royalton Township Trustee from 1960 until 1992. He and his son grew pickles for H.J. Heinz Company of Holland, Michigan for 23 years During his younger years, Edward enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing baseball on local teams. In his later years, he enjoyed attending farm and hay auctions, and livestock shows and sales with his Son and Daughter, and partaking in the family activities of gardening and making homemade maple syrup. Edward is survived by his wife of 60 years Glorian; his son Edward L. Kretchman of St. Joseph; his daughter Susan J. Kretchman of St. Joseph; his sister Ruth E. Steinke of St. Joseph and many loving nieces & nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his parents.