Rosemarie Kretler

AVILLA — Rosemarie “Rosie” Kretler, 87, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Orchard Pointe Health Campus in Kendallville, Indiana.

She was born on Jan. 23, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio, to Joseph and Maria (Hirschberger) Erndl.  She worked at Chronister’s Pharmacy in the gift department for many years.  She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Avilla.  On April 11, 1959, in Toledo, Ohio, she married Matthias “Matt” Kretler. He preceded her in death on Feb 21, 2004.  She was a member of the Fort Wayne Sports Club Ladies Auxiliary and Avilla American Legion Post #240 Ladies Auxiliary.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care provided by Doris and Casey and the staff at Orchard Pointe Health Campus.

Survivors include her sons, Joe (Janet) Kretler, of Avilla, John (Cindy) Kretler, of Avilla and Rick Kretler, of Marshall, Michigan; and daughters, Lisa (Turk) Kemerly, of Avilla and Tina (Josh) Garman, of Avilla. Also surviving are grandchildren, Tiffany Kretler, Jakob Kretler, Heather (Travis) Smith, Samantha (Trevor) Spaw, Kayla (Brandon) DeLong, Erica (Kris) Spaw, Jessica (Jeff) Shackelford, Ashley (Frank) Vuocolo, Andy (Morgan) Kretler, Jon-Matthew (Jenna) Spaw, Braeden Ball, Trevor Ball and Keegan Ball; great-grandchildren, Kylie Kretler, Zoie Conley, Aliya England, Lucy Fenstermaker, Addi Sparkman, Arrowlyn Grubb, Lahna Fenstermaker, Grayson Smith, Molly Smith, and Vincent Vuocolo; and brother-in-law, Herb Kretler, of DeBary, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Robert Kretler; grandson, John Michael Kretler II; sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Joe Viertlbeck; and sister-in-law, Pauline Kretler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m., on Saturday, Feb 10, 2024, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 228 N. Main St., Avilla, with visitation held from 10:30-11 a.m.  Father Dave Voors will celebrate the Mass.

Visitation will also be from 4-8 p.m., on Friday, Feb 9, 2024, at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N. Main St., Avilla.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Avilla.

Contributions in Rosie’s memory, may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School or Fort Wayne Sport Club Youth Soccer Program.

To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com.

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