Bill Kretchmer

Bill Lee Kretchmer, age 79, of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 2, 2021, at his home after an accidental fall - one day before his 62nd anniversary of marriage to Sally.

Bill was born on April 16, 1941, in Harvard, Illinois, to Maynard and Grace (Weeks) Kretchmer. Maynard and Grace later divorced, and Grace was remarried to Willard Partridge who became a father to Bill. He left school to work and support his family. After Bill left school, he met Sally Olson, and the two were wed on February 3, 1959, in Streator, Illinois. Bill and Sally had three children, Cindy, Mike, and Sue. After the birth of their three children, the family moved to Cleveland, WI, for Bill to pursue a new job and be closer to Sally’s family. Bill retired from Toro after nearly 40 years with the company.

Bill was an avid woodworker and was very proud of his extensive workshop on his hobby farm. Over the years on the farm, he raised many pigs who he always named after women in the church – to their delight!  Bill was a car enthusiast and could identify any car by the shape of the tail fin. Bill and Sally were members of South Side Alliance Church in Sheboygan where he committed his life to Christ.

Bill was a big supporter of Campus Life and volunteered his time mowing the lawn and doing maintenance for them. For many years, he also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity - ReStore.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Sally; children, Cindy Kretchmer (David Ward), Sue Kretchmer; grandchildren, Shaina (Andrew) Walvoord, Gabrielle, Abigail, and Rachel Kretchmer; sisters, Peggy (Larry) Goldsmith and Karen Christiansen; brother, Bob Partridge; brother-in-law, Kent Olson; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his son, Mike; mother, Grace; stepfather, Willard; father, Maynard; sister, June Rowe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd and Lucille Olson; and sister-in-law, Mary Olson.

A private funeral service for Bill will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021, with Rev. Jon McDonald officiating. The funeral service will be live streamed on Bill’s obituary page on www.zimmerfuneralhome.com. A public visitation will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021, from 3:00-4:00 PM at Zimmer-Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Campus Life in Bill’s name.