Carl H. KRETCHMER

   Research Notes:

Obituary

"Carl H. Kretchmer, 80, a resident of Ashley and of Harveys Lake, a well-known painting contractor, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Kretchmer was born in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Paul H. and Margaret Bergstrasser Kretchmer.

He was a graduate of G.A.R. High School, Wilkes-Barre, class of 1950. He also received a bachelor's degree from the Pennsylvania State University.

Carl proudly served as a corporal with the Headquarters Battery, 78th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army, during the Korean War as a member of the occupation forces in Germany. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the German Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Kretchmer had worked for the Schrader Home Builders, Ashley, for several years and later worked with W. W. Davis Co. Painting Contractors, Wilkes-Barre, for more than 30 years, retiring in 1992.

Carl was very active in the First Welsh Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre, serving as a deacon, elder and member of the Session of the church for many years. He was a devoted Mason and member of Coalville Lodge No. 474, Free and Accepted Masons, Sugar Notch, for more than 50 years, the Caldwell Consistory, Ancient Accept Scottish Rite Masons, Bloomsburg, and the Irem Shriners, Dallas. In his ""Synopsis of My Being A Shriner"", Mr. Kretchmer wrote: ""36 years ago, I became a Shriner after receiving 32 degrees in Masonry, a requirement. Shortly after, I took a singing test and became a member of the Irem Chanters, an all-male chorus at Irem Shrine. Being a Shriner meant that I took part in parades, raised money for my unit, uniforms, transportation and to support the 22 Shriners hospitals, in which crippled and burned children are treated, without charge.

""Each year, the uniformed units of Irem hold a circus, the money from which supports not only the local Shrine, but also the various Shrine charities. As a chanter, I was involved in the circus, attended chanters rehearsals and sang at rest homes, church functions and many more. I also served as a representative for the chanters at meetings of the executive board, which makes decisions regarding the Shrine. I also participated in several Shrine conventions at which the chanters competed with other Shriners. We brought many trophies back to Irem. I was also able to enjoy my wife's company in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Shrine Auxiliary and the Chanters Ladies.""

In addition to his Masonic work, he was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Penn State fan.

He recently was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dorcas Bray Kretchmer, who died in December 2012; a brother, Paul Kretchmer and his wife, Fran; sisters, Florence Miller and Gertrude; and brother-in-law, Joseph Kushner.

Surviving are his daughters, Linda D. Cook and her husband, Christopher, Auburn, Ala., and Pamela D. Palmer, Kingston; grandchildren, Jonathan Fritzges, Kimberly Dushane, Kevin Fritzges, Caitlyn Cook, Jeffrey Palmer, Nicholas Cook and Tyler Palmer; great-grandchildren, Brody, Taylor, Conrad, Avery, Ella and Destin; sister, Mrs. Doris Kushner, Port Allegheny; and several nieces and nephews..." ¹

   Marriage Information:

Carl married Dorcas BRAY, daughter of William BRAY and Cora E. REESE. (Dorcas BRAY was born about 1935 in Ashley, Luzerne, PA, USA and died on 6 Dec 2012 in Plains, Luzerne, PA, USA.)