Donald Leroy Kretzer

Donald Leroy Kretzer, age 94, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Glenn Park of Defiance.
  
Donald was born in Delaware Township on December 29, 1928, to Leroy and Evelyn (Sprow) Kretzer. He graduated from Sherwood-Delaware High School in 1946 and from Bowling Green State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. He began his teaching career at Sherwood-Delaware High School, then moved to Farmer High School, then on to Fairview High School. His classes included industrial arts, mechanical drawing, and mathematics. He retired from teaching in 1984 after completing 30 years in the classroom. In November 1952, he married Ruth (Durham)Kretzer. 
  
Surviving are three children: Edmund Kretzer, Dinah (John) Henry, and David (Christy) Kretzer; four grandchildren: Shannon (Travis) Michalak, David Henry, Mackenzie (Zachary) Long, and Cody (Alisha) Kretzer; and two great-grandchildren: Leland and Elliana Kretzer. Donald also has two sisters, Doris Shoup and Illa Rush, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
  
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents, and two brothers-in-law: G.D. Shoup and David Rush. 
  
Donald loved farming, hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling, taking photographs, camping, driving his tractors, eating homemade ice cream, and helping his many students build their industrial arts projects over the years.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service (casual wear optional) will follow immediately after at 1:00 pm with Pastor Briana Geiger and Reverend Charles Schmunk officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Cemetery.
     
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Good Samaritan School in Defiance, to Community Health Professionals of Defiance, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Glenn Park Assisted Living in Defiance for providing exceptional care and love to Donald during his stay with them.

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.