Deacon Donald J. Kretsch, retired Permanent Deacon, died on Friday, December 19, 2014, after a short illness.

Deacon Kretsch was born on April 30, 1926 to the late Roman J. Kretsch and Viola Scheman in New Ulm, Minnesota. He attended Saint Mary's Parochial School, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and New Ulm High School, Minnesota. Deacon Kretsch entered the U. S. Merchant Marines where he served for one year. In 1946, he married Mary Romano they were married for 68 years. They have two children, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. Deacon Kretsch was employed as a laborer for B.F. Goodrich, and retired in the early 1990's.

Deacon Kretsch was ordained a Permanent Deacon on June 5, 1994 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen. He was assigned to Holy Saviour Parish in Norristown, where he served until his retirement in 2004. Following retirement, Deacon Kretsch assisted at Saint Helena Parish in Blue Bell for ten years. He was very involved in many works of charity during his entire career as a deacon.

Reception of the body will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014, at Saint Helena Church, Blue Bell, at 9:00 AM, followed by a viewing. The Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will celebrate his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. The homilist and concelebrant will be Monsignor Joseph P. Nicolo. The Deacon of the Mass will be Deacon A. Kenneth Belanger. Deacon Chaplains will be Deacon Louis S. Malfara and Deacon Michael J. Dayoc. Attending Deacons will include members of the Permanent Diaconate Class of 1994.
Deacon Kretsch is survived by his wife, Mary and two children: Donald, Jr. and Barbara (Garvey), 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at Saint Patrick's Cemetery, DeKalb Pike in East Norriton, PA.

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