He peacefully passed away with family by his side on September 28th, 2023, at the age of 89.
Survived by his first wife, Christel Jager and their children, Petra (Jim), Peter and Melanie (Barry). He is also survived by his second wife, Rebecca Shelly and their children, Tyson, Tina (Bryce), and stepfather to Shelly-Lyn. Opa to Jacqueline (Christopher), Justine (Graham), Francine (Kolten), Sarah, Nate, Hayden, Maxximillion, Hunter, Duren and Miila. Great-Opa to James, Damian, Wendell, Bentley, Violet, Remy, Valen and Jade Amy. Erhard was born in Willmannsdorf, Germany, in 1934 to Friedrich and Erna Kretschmer. He is predeceased by his siblings in Germany, Erika, Herbert, Hans, Irma and Liselotte. He is survived by his youngest sister, Edith. Ever remembered by his nieces and nephews in Germany and fondly reminisced by many friends and family in Canada.
After a brief stay in Australia, Erhard immigrated to Canada in 1961. Shortly after arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, he began working at Waas Landscaping and Algoma Steel where he enjoyed a career of 30 plus years. When he wasn’t working in the coke ovens with his dear friend Aldo Mellea, you could usually find him scouring the shores of Alona Bay. With a sledgehammer and a hatchet, he would select the perfect stones and cedar trees for his award-winning garden creations. Erhard had a love for European cars, BMW motorcycles and a genuine appreciation for a glass of Southern Comfort after a hard day’s work.
Eddie was a charming man with an infectious smile and a hearty laugh. He will be forever loved and never forgotten. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Kretschmer family.
