Obituary of Edward C. Kretz
Age 69 of Shorewood, IL, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2020, at his late residence following a brief illness.
Ed, also known as Eddie, the youngest of the five children of Joseph and Lillian, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Eddie attended DeLaSalle high school and received a business degree from Illinois State University. He was a long-time resident of Shorewood, Illinois where he raised his three sons, Nathan, Tyler, and Adam, with Bernadette (Carrigan). Over the past 20 plus years, he was self-employed as a Registered Tax Return Preparer and provided business and accounting services for a very loyal group of clients. During tax season, Eddie was incommunicado for five months as he worked to meet his client’s tax needs.
Those who knew Eddie will forever carry fond memories of him and his uniqueness. He was active – always – and always eager to engage in sports, whether it be tennis (his favorite - never missed a line call on a close ball), basketball (loved the three-point shot), a game of catch (interesting throwing mechanics) or Frisby. He was a card player, loved to bet, basically on anything, to promote a contest, and he most often came out ahead. He enjoyed movies, watching them, discussing them, and rating them (scale of 1-10). Eddie, always about 165 pounds, enjoyed food, appreciated eating (no crumb was ever wasted), and was a surprisingly good baker (kolacky for everyone for every occasion).
Eddie was a caring and very generous soul. He had provided hours of care, cleaning, and companionship for his parents and aunt during their elder years. He was spiritual and reflective in a personal way. Few requests for favors ever went unanswered. He had registered as an organ donor. Eddie was a good guy, good friend, brother, dad.
Eddie loved to travel but hated traffic. Rarely would he venture into Chicago traffic, at least without a compelling reason. Travel to him was a trip where there was the scenery, a chance to explore, hike, and climb a mountain. It was always better when he was able to travel with his sons, a chance to introduce them to the beauty and simple enjoyment it provided him.
Above all, Eddie was unique; he had traits accepted by all as just a genuine part of him. Let’s recall a few. Can you spell and pronounce words and whole sentences backward without hesitation? Eddie could; he had this talent. Do you ever call someone in the middle of the day merely to tell the latest joke? He would and he’d expect to hear one in return, and, what about the Wizard? Were you ever introduced? He was always eager to introduce a new acquaintance to the magic and mystery of the Wizard. Without question, Eddie had many friends, all of whom will miss him and his special being terribly.
Survivors include his sons, Nathan, Tyler and Adam, their mother Bernadette, and siblings,
Richard (Julie), Rockford, IL, Joseph Bart, Fort Worth, TX, Barbara (Bob) Mowinski, Lansing, IL, brother-in-law, Tom Leo, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
He is now being welcomed by his parents and sister, Mary Leo. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
