Raymond Ralph Kretz

Raymond Ralph Kretz, (86) of Berlin, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28th, 2025. 

Ray was born August 20th, 1938 to Irene and Raymond Kretz, in Hammond, Indiana. Growing up, Ray was interested in the outdoors, cooking, playing his clarinet, and bonding with his younger brother Don. When he became of age, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was very proud to be a Marine.

Once Ray graduated high school, he married his wife, Joan Kretz. They lived in Highland and East Chicago where they grew their family. Together, they had four children- Don, David, Dan, and Carolynn. Family was very important to Ray. He worked in a steel mill, often taking second shifts to support his family. When Ray wasn’t working, he spent much of his time as the head umpire for the little league, being a scoutmaster for the boy scouts, and attending every sporting event he could for his kids. He also loved the outdoors and going up north to the family cabin. Ray taught his family how to camp, fish, and enjoy nature. 

After retiring, Ray and Joan moved to Phelps, Wisconsin to live full time at the Kretz Chalet that Ray’s father built. This was Ray’s dream, and he enjoyed going fishing on the lake, having parties with friends, and having family come and visit. Ray was blessed with three grandchildren, Mariah, Kylie, and Tyler. He loved having family come and spend time up north, going swimming off the dock and enjoying big family meals. Ray loved to cook and would spend much of his time reading recipes, trying new recipes, or finding more recipes on the internet. At the end of the day, Ray loved to wind down by preparing a meal and having a glass of red wine.

Ray is predeceased by his wife, Joan Kretz, his father, Raymond Kretz, and his mother, Irene Kretz. Ray is survived by his sons, Don (Joe), David (Jackie), Dan (Jennepher) and his daughter, Carolynn (Joe). He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Mariah, Kylie, and Tyler and his beloved brother, Don, among many other family members. 

Ray did not wish to have a funeral, but rather a celebration of his life. He was a very positive, lighthearted person and wanted family and friends to celebrate him with good wine and food. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people celebrate Ray the way he would have wanted.

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