Timothy E. Kretz, age 57 of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He was born on February 26, 1967 to Walter and Shirley (Reed) Kretz in Defiance, Ohio. Tim was a 1985 graduate of Tinora High School. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and Defiance Eagles #372. He was employed at Johns Manville in Defiance and in Winder, Georgia. He worked at Spangler Candy Company in Bryan, Ohio until his retirement in 2023.

Tim was a huge sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching racing, baseball, and especially football, cheering on his favorite teams, the Detroit Lions and Notre Dame. His knowledge of sports trivia was remarkable. The best title Tim held was being a goofy, silly, fun-loving Uncle who loved making his nieces and nephews laugh. Tim was very easy-going, always cracking jokes, and could never be taken seriously. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Tim is survived by his brother, Jeff (Jean) Kretz of Defiance, sisters Bev Kretz of Denver, Colorado and Phillis Kretz of Bryan, Ohio, one step-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Shirley Kretz, his sister, Vicki Puehler, infant brothers, Doug and John Kretz, and his nephew, Zac Helmuth. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home, with Deacon Mark Homier officiating. Tim will be laid to rest at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.