Norman Dietrich Kretzmann

I moved out to New England in 1979 and haven't seen Pastor Kretzmann since my father's funeral in February 2004, but he has a long history with our family.

He officiated at my first wedding in 1970. He also officiated at both of our parent's funerals (1982 and 2004) as well as at three of our four grandparents’ funerals (1986, 1994, and 1996).

I was confirmed by Pastor Buege, who preceded Pastor Kretzmann, but the rest of my siblings (Louise, Curt and Doug) were...

Pr. Kretzmann baptized me and confirmed me. He was a gentle soul. He was always so kind. It was a blessing that he was a part of our lives.

We were honored to know 3 generations of the Kretzmann men. Pastor Kretzmann and Jeannette would grace our church each Sunday with smiles and a joyful greeting of "Peace be with you". Shaking his strong hand was a sincere pleasure. His values of faith and family were so important to him as we could all see when he would talk about each of them. Tim and Jane were are neighbors in South Minneapolis and Matt went to pre-school with Jason. Pastor "K" has left a wonderful legacy. I will miss...

We love you Dad!

We love you, Dad!

I haven't seen Pastor Kretzmann in many many years, but he was my childhood pastor at Christ Church Lutheran, my confirmation teacher and he officiated at my wedding in 1979. I have vivid memories of him; his wisdom, serenity and subtle sense of humor were inspirational. The sphere of his influence in the local community and the wider faith community must be significant. My condolences to his family. One has to feel gratitude for such a long life so well-lived.

Ann Zenk Croaston