Walter E. Kretz, 81, of Defiance, passed away on  Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Genesis Healthcare Center in Bryan, Ohio. He was born on February 16, 1934 to Lloyd and Coletta (Lenhart) Kretz in Defiance, Ohio. On February 8, 1958 he married Shirley (Reed)  Kretz, who proceeded him in death on September 25, 2007. Walter was a member of  St. Michael Catholic Church, Defiance.  He served in the U.S .Navy from 1956 to 1957 on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Randolph. Walter worked as a farmer, and he retired from Defiance Precision Products in 1996, where he worked as a screw machine operator. He was a member of Defiance AmVets and the Eagles of Defiance. He was a lifelong race fan of all types, from local to Indy. He was the owner of a car in the Hobby Stock Class that raced at the Bryan Speedway. Walter also enjoyed music and spending time with his family. Walter is survived by his daughters, Vicki (Howard) Puehler of Defiance, Beverly Kretz of Engelwood, Colorado, and Phillis (Keith) Kuba of Bryan, sons, Jeff (Jean) Kretz, and Tim  (Elise) Kretz, both of Defiance, 12 grandchildren, 1 step granddaughter, 2 great-grandchildren, and 1 step great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley J. Kretz, brothers, Leo Kretz, Ray Kretz, and Don Kretz, sisters, Sister Mary Rita and Alice Weber. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on  Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 4:00 pm.  Funeral services will be held at  1:30 pm on Friday, June 5, 2015 at St. Michael Catholic Church, with Fr. Robert Kill officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, with Graveside Military Honors given by VFW Post #3360. Memorials are suggested to St. Michaels Catholic Church, Wounded Warriors, or to Hospice of Williams County.