NEW ULM–Ernest “Ernie” R. Kretsch, age 91, of New Ulm, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Oak Hills Living Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel in New Ulm. A full obituary will appear in Wednesday’s edition of the Journal.