Funeral service will be 12 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor David Nissen will officiate. A private family burial will be held in the Minneopa Cemetery in Mankato.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Jim was born on May 30, 1948 to Lauretta and Theodore Kretsch in Granite Falls. Jim and his brother Roger and sister Joanne moved to New Ulm and was raised here. James and his sister shared a very special bond. Joanne would regularly visit James at the Prairie Senior Cottages, together they would joke and tell stories of the past.

On October 13, 1967 Jim married the love of his life, Linda. Their union was blessed with two daughters. Jim was the proud father of Jennifer and Suzanne. He loved playing sports with them, and taking them on vacations. Jim was a jokester and brought laughs to everyone. Jim’s daughters were his pride and joy. He wasn’t just a father to his girls, he was their inspiration, encouragement, and #1 fan. Most of all, he taught his girls what unconditional love was.

Jim spent most of his career as a baker, as the bakery manager at DMLC and Randalls. Jim enjoyed driving his motorcycles, golfing, wood working, listening to music, and playing and watching sports with his daughters.

Jim has two granddaughters, Alexis Kretsch and Avery Ruppin. He loved his granddaughters as much as his daughters. He loved watching Alexis play basketball, softball, and volleyball. He loved being able to hold Avery as a baby, and her spunky personality gave him smiles.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father and granddaughter Alexis. He leaves behind his loving family: wife, Linda Kretsch; daughter Jennifer Kretsch (Andrew Hemker); daughter Suzanne Ruppin (Richard Ruppin); granddaughter Avery Ruppin; brother Roger Kretsch; sister Joanne Windschitl; and many other friends and family.

The last two years of Jim’s life he was lovingly cared for by the employees at Prairie Senior Cottages. They became his extended family and we are forever grateful.

With love from his family, we will see you again.

www.MVFH.org

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