Richard H. Kroetz

Richard H. Kroetz, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025 in Louisville, KY surrounded by his family. He was born November 26, 1942 in Toledo, OH, the son of Lloyd and Marjorie Chamberlain Kroetz.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bernadette LaVigne Kroetz; children, David Kroetz (Laurie), Paul Kroetz, Jaci Dwyer (John), Ann Galuska (Steve), Mary Kroetz (Mark). He was the proud grandpa to his 7 grandchildren, Tom, Laura (Jeremy), Rebecca, Katie, Mary Margaret, Theresa, and Steven; and 2 great grandchildren, Gabriel and Curriss. He is also survived by his sister Susan as well as a large extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marjorie Kroetz, and two infant children, Joseph and Rebecca.
Rich and Bernie grew up just down the street from each other in Genoa, OH, but they did not know each other because they lived on opposite sides of the railroad tracks. Rich contracted polio as a young child, and Bernie prayed for "the little boy down the street." It wasn't until they were teenagers that they met at the quarry in town where Rich was a lifeguard. They fell in love and got married at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Genoa on August 11, 1962. Throughout the years, Rich and family moved to Memphis, TN and Sterling, IL. After retirement, Rich and Bernie moved to Hot Springs Village, AR where they enjoyed the beauty of nature that surrounded them. In 2023 they moved to Louisville to get closer to family.
Rich spent his career as a mechanical engineer in the forging industry. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. His commitment to community was evident through his involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, Park Board, and Little League coaching. He also played in the American Legion Band and participated in a Men's Chorus. Throughout the years, no matter where he lived, Rich remained active in the parish, serving on parish council and the school board, and contributing as a choir member, cantor, soloist, and extraordinary minister of the Eucharist.
Rich's many hobbies and interests included music, woodworking, fishing, hunting, camping, travel, and the Audubon Society. However, his biggest passion was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Family was his greatest love.
The visitation will be Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 3:00-5:00 PM with the rosary beginning at 4:30 PM at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 5505 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY. Interment will be at a later date at Clay Township Cemetery, Elmore, OH.
The Funeral Mass will be streamed via Facebook and You Tube for family and friends unable to travel. Look up St Gabriel of Fern Creek and search for Richard Kroetz. The streaming will start on the web about 2 minutes before Mass begins. It will also remain up on the web to view later.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Joseph Indian School (www.stjo.org), the Archdiocese of the Military Services (www.milarch.org) or the Louisville Youth Orchestra (https://lyo.org).