Conrad "Connie" T. Kretzmann

Conrad “Connie” T. Kretzmann (age 98) of Ellison Bay, WI died peacefully November 1, 2025 at his Hayfield home with his daughter, Kathy, and sons, Peter and Mark, daughter-in-law, Nathalie, and granddaughter, Amanda, at his bedside. He was born February 20, 1927 to Theodore and Gertrud (Schwanke) Kretzmann, Chicago, IL. He attended Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN where he earned a degree in mathematics and met Georgine “Gee” Carner, his wife of 67 years.

Connie and Gee were married August 27, 1950 in Cleveland, OH. They lived in Chicago where their children, Katherine, Peter, and Mark were born. In 1956, they moved to Libertyville, IL before retiring to Ellison Bay, WI in 1989. In 1995, they build their home on 10 acres of hay field thus acquiring the name, Hayfield House. Their home was the perfect place for Connie to tend to his prolific vegetable gardens, while Gee cultivated flowers.

Connie was employed as an adjuster for Combined Insurance followed by Washington National Insurance before being hired by Abbott Laboratories in 1960 where he worked in HR for 25 years. During these years in Libertyville, Connie and Gee graciously opened their home, hosting a foreign exchange student from Italy, provided housing for two young men, and also participated in hosting a Chicago inner city child during the summer. Having a passion for aviation, he earned his private pilot’s license. He loved canoeing on the Des Plaines River, camping, and woodworking. Connie and Gee prayed for and supported Christian missionaries in India for decades. As their children were growing up, they instituted a Wednesday night rice dinner in solidarity with those less fortunate and to send the savings generated from this low-cost simple meal to the India family. While in Ellison Bay, Connie learned how to sail his own sailboat, gave tours at the Maritime Museum, volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, served as docent at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and was a long-time member of Shepherd of the Bay Church. With an ever-present twinkle in his eye, he loved meeting new people, hanging out with friends and had a unique sense of humor from this gentle, loving and generous man.

Connie is survived by his three children, Katherine Peters of Lindenhurst, IL, Peter (Nathalie) Kretzmann of Grangeville, ID, Mark (Tammy) Kretzmann of Poy Sippi, WI; seven grandchildren, Sean (Sarah) Peters, Amanda (Stephanie) Peters, Abby (Kate) Ritter, Crispin Kretzmann, Eliah Kretzmann, Nicholas (Keisy) Kretzmann, Theodore (Emily) Kretzmann; and nine great-grandchildren. Connie was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Lehman.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kretzmann home, 12200 Badger Road, Ellison Bay WI 54210,

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Conrad may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com or send to PO Box 6, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

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