Lou Frank Kretschmer Obituary (1944 - 2022)

Haven of Rest Obituary for Lou Louis Frank Kretschmer died at home on Fox Island on March 18, 2022 from complications of myasthenia gravis. He was 77 years old. Lou is survived by his wife, Karen and their four children: Tammy Speer and husband Jon, David Kretschmer and wife Sandi, Richard Kretschmer and wife Stephanie, and Jennifer Barragan and husband Francisco, six grandchildren - Emma, Bella, Benjamin, Scarlett, Juliet, Vienna, and sister, Jackie Nelson. Lou was born in Portland, Oregon on June 28, 1944. He graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School in 1970 and spent six years in the U.S. Public Health Service. He went on to become a board certified orthopedic surgeon who practiced medicine for more than 30 years. He married Karen Staley on August 17, 1968 in Portland, Oregon. They were married for 53 years. Lou was an avid sports fan of the NY Yankees and Green Bay Packers, along with cheering for the college teams where his children attended. He volunteered as the team doctor for Capital High School in Olympia during the time when his four children attended that school. Lou was an exceptional golfer throughout his lifetime, eventually getting to play St. Andrews old and new courses in Scotland. He was also interested in biking and in his 50's rode the STP (Seattle to Portland) two-day event four years in a row. He had an amazing memory and enjoyed creating family competitions in random sports trivia. The winners received a Starbucks card that was highly valued for bragging rites. He loved cars, especially Porsches, and for many years took pride in doing the repairs of his vehicles himself. Travel was something that Lou also enjoyed. He and Karen were fortunate to experience many different cultures and to have the opportunity to expose their children to the value of seeing the world. Lou and all his family enjoyed annual trips to Maui, the last visit in July of 2021 with all 16 members present. Lou loved living on Fox Island with the wonderful sense of community, especially the Fox Island Museum. He and Karen bought their home on the Island as their "forever home." A graveside service for immediate family only is scheduled for Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Fox Island Cemetery.