Patricia J. Kretzschmar
1940 - 2011
Patricia J. Kretzschmar
1940 - 2011
Obituary
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BORN
1940
DIED
2011
Patricia Kretzschmar Obituary
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Elizabeth
January 13, 2022
Pat Kretzschmar lived next door to my family when I was growing up in Detroit. Her oldest son, Kurt, was like a brother to me, but unfortunately we lost touch over the years. I was surprised to see Pat's obituary, posted more than 10 years ago. She was much too young to die in 2011. Please accept my belated condolences. I remember Pat as an extremely hard-working, single mother of three (and an Irish Setter dog)--a server who worked the evening shift at fine restaurants in order to earn tips large enough to support her family. Pat was small in stature but big in personality. Small, day-to-day things I remember about Pat: one time she carefully dug a sliver out of Kurt's finger--he was screaming bloody murder but she never lost her patience with him; she bought a swimming pool for the kids that took up most of their backyard; she let her kids eat Wonder bread; she sometimes took her kids to Saturday matinees at Redford theatre, and once in a while I was invited to tag along (we saw Mary Poppins together). I also remember one particularly funny story about Pat: she suffered from heartburn and came to my dad (who also suffered from heartburn) for advice. He recommended Alka-Seltzer. She poured a glass of water, dropped the tablet into the glass, but it would not dissolve. She called my dad who went over to help and discovered she had put the small styrofoam from the top of the jar into the water instead of the actual tablets that dissolve! I do not have a picture of Pat to share, but I do have one of Kurt and me, standing between our two houses after building a fort together in the snowdrift alongside his house (next to my driveway). Cheers to a memorable woman: a good mother and a great next-door neighbor.
The Burkes
June 3, 2011
Kay,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. So sorry for your loss.
Kelly Hutchins
June 3, 2011
What a sweet, kind lady Mrs. Kretzschmar was. She always had a gracious smile upon her face whenever my family had the plesure of being in her presence. I know her loved ones and family will miss her dearly. My condolences to Kay & Gabe, and the entire family.
Tiffany Harvey
June 2, 2011
We met Pat through her grandson Gabriel who is close friends with my son Marc. Pat's devotion to and involvement with her children and grandchildren was inspiring and impressive; despite the distance, even when ill, she visited Chicago regularly. She was very kind to my son. We will miss her and send our deepest condolences to her family.
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Christian Oleksiak
June 1, 2011
I will remember Mrs. Kretzschmar’s visits to Kay’s very fondly. I used to be Kay’s upstairs neighbor and the smell of cabbage rolls and promise of a nice visit used to drive me downstairs to “just say hi”… Somehow, I always went back home with a plate full of treats, and a smile on my face. It became a tradition and Mrs Kretzschmar made those rolls any chance she got when in Chicago. I kept visiting her at Kay’s even after I moved out of the building, and not just for the cabbage rolls… I am grateful to have known Mrs Kretzschmar and I know she is in a good place, probably spreading joy around her… My condolences to her family.
Hiwote Tamrat
May 31, 2011
When I think of Pat, I think of her love of her children and grandchildren as well as her kindness to all. My condolences to her family... She will be missed dearly and remembered with love.
May 31, 2011
I worked with Pat at Maccabees Life Insurance Co. I have fond memories of Pat working very hard as our Union President. She was a very nice lady.
Sue Cooley
Lorraine Martin
May 31, 2011
When I look back at the memories of Patty, I recall our wonderful and inspiring talks about her various experiences in life and the love she had for her family - May the God of peace comfort all her friends and family.
Cynthia Roberts-Westphal
May 30, 2011
When I think of Patty, pure elegance always comes to my mind. My condolences to the Kretzschmar family, my heart is broken for you. God give you strength as you find your way to carry on following this horrendous loss.
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