Richard Kretsinger Obituary

Richard (Dick) Charles Kretsinger, age 94, of Leaf River, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.

     Dick and his twin brother Bob were born on June 11, 1930, to Kenneth and Jessie (Nichols) Kretsinger in Leaf River, IL. After Dick graduated High School in1948, he joined the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force he was stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. After returning home from the military, Dick became a member of the Jerry Wickam American Legion and began to work at Free Sewing of Rockford. Dick was deeply involved in his community throughout his life, working on the railroads, serving as a rural mail carrier, and driving a bus for the Leaf River School District for a number of years. He also worked at Kable Printing/Quebecor for over forty years. During his time at Kable Printing/Quebecor he served as a foreman until his retirement. Dick showed his valued commitment to his town, as he served as Mayor of Leaf River from1977-2001. During his time as mayor, Dick played a pivotal role in purchasing and establishing the town’s historical society, preserving the town’s heritage for future generations. He also contributed to placing the town’s historic cannon at the Veterans Memorial Park. Additionally, Dick often took pleasure in mowing yards for friends, family, and anyone in need, including the Leaf River United Methodist Church. He could be seen riding his John Deere mower, happily smiling and waving to whoever drove by.

      Dick married the love of his life, Connie (McKinley) on August 17, 1953.Dick and Connie spent 71 ½ beautiful, loving years with one another. Together, they raised two children, Cindy and Rick. Dick happily watched his family grow and became the proud grandfather of Karshon and Heather, and very proud great-grandfather of Ali, Gabbi, and Owen. In his later years, he cherished time spent with his family, visiting with friends in the garage, gardening, feeding the birds, and most certainly scratching his lotto tickets no matter the outcome– win or lose.

     Dick is survived by his wife, Connie; his daughter, Cindy (Robert) Wilcox; and son, Richard Kretsinger, as well as the entire community of Leaf River. In addition to his grandchildren; Karshon (Peter) Athanasatos of Mt. Morris, and Heather (Jeff) Wagner of Lena, along with three loving great-grandchildren, Allessandra, Gabriella, and Owen. Additionally, his niece Pam Snow of Alaska, whom he loved like a daughter, his brother Kenneth (Jeannie) Kretsinger, brother-in-law Larry Zellers, sister-in-law Karen McKinley, and several nieces and nephews. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Jessie, his brothers and sisters, Millard (Alice), Merritt, Wayne (Dianna), Donald, Kathleen (Robert) Zellers, Kay (Melvin) McGill; his twin brother Robert; and nieces Peggy Kretsinger, Marina Spitzer, Michelle Coons; his beloved dog, Bridget, and his cat Mittens.

     Visitation will be held for Dick from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday, February 8,2025, at Leaf River United Methodist Church, with the funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Following the service, burial will be held at Chapel Hill in Freeport IL. Memorials will be established in Dick’s name.