Dorothy Kretschmer

Dorothy R. Kretschmer

Dorothy R. Kretschmer, age 74, of Merrill, passed away Friday, October 23, 2009 at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston. She was born April 1, 1935 in Merrill the daughter of the late Anton and Elizabeth (Rauchenburger) Carlson. Dorothy married Gerald Kretschmer on June 9, 1956, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. He survives.

Dorothy was a 1954 graduate of Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill. After graduating she became the housekeeper for Monsignor Gerald F. Mahon. After her marriage to Gerald she settled into being a homemaker. Dorothy was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish where she had served on the Altar Society, the Mission Circle and was a C.C.D. instructor for many years. She was an avid bird watcher and flower gardener. Dorothy especially loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband Gerald of Merrill, 1 daughter, Joann (Jeffery) Erickson of Kenosha, 5 sons, Richard (Jodene) of Merrill, Gregory of Wausau, Paul of Merrill, Mark (Alescia) of Euless , TX and James of Merrill. One sister; Ottilie Carlson of Merrill. Three brothers; Gustav of Chicago, Anton (Christine) and Joe (Barbara) of Merrill. Nine grandchildren; Heather, Stephanie, Phillip, Jeremy, Emily, Krytal, Brandy, Tanner and Anthony. And one great-granddaughter, Odessia. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 AM Wednesday, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Merrill. The Rev. James Horath will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Merrill. Friends may call from 4:00 PM until 8 PM Tuesday and again Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .