Lily O. Kretzmann
With her daughters at her side, Lily Opal Kretzmann, age 94, of Berlin, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Patriot Place in Berlin.
She was born May 3, 1921, in Big Falls, WI, the daughter of Arthur and Clara Blank Polk. Lily was educated in Big Falls. On May 18, 1946, she was united in marriage to Norman Kretzmann at St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin.
Following Norman’s death in 1968, she was employed in the office at Gatzke Farms until her retirement. Lily devoted her life to family and to service to others. During her lifetime, she was active in Ladies Aid, Altar Guild and many other of St. John Lutheran Church’s organizations. She also volunteered at Second Time Around and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.
Lily is survived by her three daughters, Donna (James) Henning, Yvonne Gerth, and Margery (Greg) Rankin; son-in-law, R. Alan Bates; eleven grandchildren, Daniel (Sara) Henning, Sarah (Christopher) Rall, Michael (Stephanie) Henning, Jerrod (Mandi) Gerth, Andrea Gerth, Gayle (Dave) Dietsch, Anne Bates, Kyle Bates, Emery (Brian) Terwilliger, Stephen Rankin, and Adena (Dan) Rottinger; sixteen great-grandchildren; four sisters, Doris Jesse, Elaine Mueller, Ellen (Richard) Czech, and Faith (Donald) Gatzke; two brothers, Wilfird (Carolyn) Polk and Arthur (Barbara) Polk; brother-in-law, Bernard Rodensal; sister-in-law, Jeanette Mitchelly; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Barbara Bates; great-grandson, Avery Terwilliger; sister, Carolyn Rodensal; two brothers, Walter Polk and Robert Polk; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin, the Rev. Bryan G. Lundquist officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call on Monday, November 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin and on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the services. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran School and Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Patriot Place for the loving care that was showered upon their mother during the past six years. The family witnessed the staff’s thoughtfulness and care especially during Lily’s final days. It was remarkable and the family will be forever grateful.