Obituary of Emil Kretchmer

Emil Robert Kretchmer December 24, 1923 - June 10, 2012 Emil Robert Kretchmer was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 24, 1923. He was the son of the late Emil Kretchmer and the late Mildred (Roberts) Kretchmer. He graduated from River Rouge High School. Emil married the love of his life, the former Helen Chapin, in January 1948. For more than 35 years Emil made his living as a machine operator for McClouth Steel and was a member of the United Steel Workers Union in Trenton, Michigan. Emil had a passion for gardening. He also loved to travel with his wife, Helen. They enjoyed spending two months of every year in Hawaii, especially when their son would join them. Emil also liked playing cards. He played euchre every day with his friends. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and is said to have been the best of fathers. Emil Robert Kretchmer, age 88 of Monroe, passed away on June 10, 2012. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his loving wife, Helen; a son, Thomas Kretchmer; and a brother: Ernest Kindy. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his son: Bob (Betty) Kretchmer, Jr. of Maybee; a sister: Lazurne Dietrich of Southgate; grandchildren: Sarah (Bill) Morgan of Illinois, Abby (Eric) Laskey of Carleton, Ken (Danielle) Kretchmer of Newport, Chad (Katherine) Morrin of LaPeer, and Brenda Morrin of Monroe; and two great-grandchildren: Mia and Anthony, with another on the way. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 7:00pm, Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm, Wednesday, June 13, 2012 also at Merkle's. A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Cemetery in Southgate, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society. . Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.