Jerry D. Kretschman
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Jerry's obituary
Jerry D. Kretschman
August 19, 1939 – November 9, 2025
Jerry D. Kretschman, 86, of Stanwood, Washington, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Marienwerder, West Prussia on August 19, 1939, Jerry’s early life was shaped by resilience. His father was reported missing in action during World War II, and in 1946 Jerry immigrated to the United States with his mother, Hildegard, and older brother, Bodo. The family lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, then Columbus, Ohio, before settling in Rochester, New York in 1956. Jerry graduated from John Marshall High School in 1959.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. He later earned his Associate’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1978. His career included ten years at General Dynamics and twenty years at Itek Graphic Systems in Rochester, New York, where he worked as a technical representative. He later owned and operated his own printing business, Visual Expressions.
In retirement, Jerry devoted his time to service, managing the Open Door Mission Outreach Program in Owego, New York, and later serving as grounds manager for Camp Bethel in Hoquiam, Washington.
Jerry shared 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Arlyce. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Arlyce Kretschman; his children, Robin (Peregrin) Jones of Tulalip, WA, and Jeffrey (Terry) Kretschman of Rochester, NY; grandchildren Avery Kretschman, Luke Kretschman, Levi Jones, Aneliese Jones, and Caleb Jones; and his sponsored son, Nou Niravanh of Laos. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bodo Kretschman, and his infant son, Mark Kretschman.
Jerry enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, reading, landscaping, time with family, and home remodeling, and was known as a reliable fix-it man always ready to help others.
The family would like to thank all the caring staff of Northwest Hospital for their dedicated care during his final few weeks of life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the community room of Beachwood at Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood, Washington. All are welcome!
To honor Jerry’s memory, please consider a donation to Fred Hutch Cancer Center, an independent, nonprofit organization that also serves as the cancer program for UW Medicine. Their relationship allows for enhanced care coordination between a top-ranked cancer center and a leading integrated health system and accelerates the latest scientific breakthroughs in cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Donations can be made at the service or on the giving page.
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