Gary Everett Kretschmer

Gary Everett Kretschmer, age 69, entered his eternal home on December 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Gary was born on January 24, 1956, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to Kurt and Paula Kretschmer. He was the fourth of five children. He graduated from Arrowhead High School in 1974, and soon entered the workforce, working for his father as a carpenter, where he learned the trade and developed a strong work ethic. When he wasn’t swinging a hammer, Gary also spent time working as a bartender. Gary began experiencing back pain at an early age. At just 29 years old, he underwent his first back surgery, marking the beginning of many years of chronic pain and medical challenges. Over the years, he endured multiple surgeries and attempted several different jobs in hopes of finding work that would accommodate his ongoing pain. Despite these struggles, Gary faced these hardships with steady perseverance and quiet resilience.

Gary was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. He could be a stubborn German at times, but beneath that was a man who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. Gary loved people fully and openly, never missing a chance to tell those around him how much they meant to him. Often, “I love you” was both the first thing he said and the last reminder he left with those he cared about most.

Gary had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, which he enjoyed most when shared with family and friends—particularly his son and grandchildren. One of his most cherished annual traditions was going to deer camp every fall on the family’s hunting land in Hayward, Wisconsin, affectionately known as “The Forty.” While he enjoyed the hunt itself, what meant the most to him was the camaraderie, laughter, banter, and time spent with those he loved.

Gary was known for always having a Pepsi close at hand. Whether at home, at deer camp, or visiting with family, a cold Pepsi was rarely far from reach and became one of his simple, familiar comforts. Just as constant as his Pepsi was his love of Browning—if Gary was wearing a hat or clothing item, carrying an accessory, or shouldering a firearm, chances were good it had a Browning logo on it. If it wasn’t Browning, it probably wasn’t his. In recent years, Gary formed a special bond with his grandson Austin’s dog, Gunner. Gary loved working with Gunner, taking pride in training him and spending time together, and the two quickly became inseparable buddies. Gary often jokingly referred to Gunner as “his dog,” a title Gunner proudly seemed to accept.

Gary is survived by his wife, Debbra; his daughter, Tonya; his three grandchildren, Austin, Greysen, and Greta; his daughter-in-law, Audra; his father-in-law, Robert (Bob) Oppert; along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his favorite fishing companion, his son, Kurt; his parents, Kurt and Paula Kretschmer; and his brothers, Bob and Al.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date for loved ones and friends to gather and honor Gary’s memory.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors at the Oconomowoc Cancer Center and the compassionate staff at Rainbow Hospice for their unwavering care and support. They also wish to thank all who took the time to visit Gary during the past months as he bravely faced his health challenges in and out of the hospital.