January 2024
Reverend Donald Carl Kretzschmar was born to Carl and Bernice Kretzschmar in Monroe, Michigan on July 20, 1945, just moments before his twin brother, Robert. Previously from Wheaton, Illinois, he resided at The Holmstad in Batavia, Illinois at the time of his death.
Pastor Kretzschmar completed his undergraduate studies at Concordia University in Wisconsin and Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1969.
Throughout his ministry, he served at Christ Lutheran Church and Lutheran Council USA, both in Yonkers, New
York. He also served in a low-income apartment ministry, as well as in his positions as Assistant Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois. He served as LCMS – Northern Illinois District Chaplain based out of the LCMS – Northern Illinois District’s office in Hillside, Illinois from 1985-2004.
In 2004, Pastor Kretzschmar formed the nonprofit, Voice of Care. In that leadership role, he visited multiple residential facilities to provide services and pastoral care. Through that ministry, he recognized the importance of all people to God. Voice of Care has grown to include training church workers and lay volunteers to work with churches to promote inclusion in congregational life and now provides services and education across multiple states. He continued to volunteer as a chaplain with Voice of Care after his retirement in 2013.
He also served as a chaplain at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries during Handicamp weeks, which were designed for people with disabilities. There, he was affectionately known as “Pastor Don.”
Pastor Kretzschmar enjoyed life to the fullest and stayed active in many ways. He continued biking, swimming, and running well into his 60s. He and his wife, Marni (Martha), supported their community by regularly donating blood. He loved the family dogs, spending time in nature, and gathering with family for vacations. Music was an especially big part of his life, and he was known for writing new music and coming up with alternate lyrics for familiar tunes.
He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Martha (nee Schreck), his twin brother, Reverend Robert (Diane) Kretzschmar of Baltimore, MD, two daughters, Sarah (Aaron) Hamel of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ellen (John) Kohlmeir of Aurora, IL, and four grandchildren, Jason Paul and Emma Louis Hamel and John Carl and Abby Martha Kohlmeir.
He is missed by many, but has now heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Rd., Batavia, IL 60510. A Celebration of Life service will follow, and the family would like to extend an invitation of continued fellowship with refreshments after the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Voice of Care (www.voiceofcare.org) or please consider donating blood in his honor.