Norbert Kretschmer Jr.

1944 - 2017

Norbert Peter Kretschmer Jr.

Ivins

Norbert Peter Kretschmer, age 73, formerly of Gurnee, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in St. George, UT on November 13th, 2017. Cause of death was septic shock. Norb, was born in Boise Idaho in August of 1944 to his parents Norbert Peter Kretschmer Sr. and his mother Jean Patricia Halpin, who preceded him in death. Surviving family is his wife of 53 years, Sherry, and his five children, Curtis (Colleen), Anthony (Cara), David, Aaron (Marianne), Shawna, and brother Jerry (Pam). In addition, Norb had 23 grandchildren that he was extremely proud of.

As a younger man Norb enjoyed restoring old vehicles. It seemed there was always some rusty hunk of junk in the garage that he would tear down, build up, and sell for just enough profit to buy the next hunk of junk. Additionally he prized a collection of reel to reel recordings of the Beatles, and loved the music of his youth. He instilled the love for music in all his children.

He spent most of his working years employed for Commonwealth Edison in the information management system department for Nuclear Power. After several years he was asked to represent the US Government at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. His strong work ethic kept him from ever taking a sick day in over 30 years. Even with all his accomplishments at work his most rewarding job was his 10 years' service as a firefighter in the Gurnee Fire Department. He was one of the first groups of paramedics to be trained in the state of Illinois.

Norb developed an astute understanding of interpersonal communication. He taught his children lessons like "It's better to be an hour early than a minute late." and "You can be sick at work as well as sick at home". He was valued for his wisdom and knowledge. His guidance was sought by peoples of all ages and backgrounds. He was not, however, one to get involved in other people's business uninvited. He passes on to his children his sense of humor and an enlightened progressive understanding of the role a man and father should take in cleaning the house, cooking, and raising children. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 240 E 1060 S, Ivins, UT 84738