Gary Kretsch

Gary Kretsch, age 77, of North Mankato, died Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home.

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, at Messiah Lutheran Church and will continue one hour before service at the church on Wednesday. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. www.mankatomortuary.com

Gary’s service will be live-streamed at the Messiah Lutheran Church Facebook Page.

Gary was born, at home, on the family farm near Sanborn on January 18th, 1945. He was the son of Albert and Alice Kretsch. He was the youngest of 3 children. Gary was drafted into the United States Army Security Agency in 1965 and was stationed in Korea for 14 months, with a Top Secret Crypto Clearance. He finished his service at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, with a rank of E5. He married the love of his life, Sandra Willemssen, on November 1st, 1969. They enjoyed 52 years together. Education was important to Gary and he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in education at Mankato State and later received his master’s degree of education. Gary started teaching elementary school in Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial in 1972 and taught for 33 years. He talked fondly of so many students and he never felt like teaching was a job because he loved what he did. Gary enjoyed playing softball, fishing, playing cards and just being around people. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and attended as many of their activities as he could.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandie; daughter, Amy, husband, Sean and daughter, Finley of Plymouth and son, David, wife, Jen and sons Gavin and Dawson of Maple Grove; sister, Joan Weicherding and brother Maynard wife, Anna. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Alice Kretsch.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato.

Gary’s family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic Hospice, East Team for the excellent care they provided.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.