Jean Kretzschmar

JEAN. R. KRETZSCHMAR

Iowa City

Jean R. Kretzschmar, 89, died peacefully Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville surrounded by her children. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation, as per Jean's wishes, has taken place. Private inurnment will be in Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the U of I Foundation for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Building Fund or the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Jean (Jeanne) was born Nov. 22, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Mich., the daughter of Ralph and Ruth (Hohlenkamp) Rash. Jean graduated from Ann Arbor High School and Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.

On Aug. 20, 1948, Jean married Robert M. Kretzschmar in Ann Arbor. She worked at the University of Michigan Women's Hospital in Ann Arbor until 1954. In 1962, they moved to Iowa City, with their three children, where Bob took a position at UIHC. They were divorced later.

Jean was PTA president at Robert Lucas School and also active with Cub Scouts. Jean worked for eight years at The Stable, a women's clothing store. In 1978, Jean was employed as the collegiate receptionist at the College of Dentistry until she retired after working there 20 years. She loved working in every situation with her interest in helping people and her cheerful, warm attitude in each job she undertook. She enjoyed many friends from each job and kept in touch with them. Jean loved her family and always cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being an avid sports fan, she loved to discuss games with her grandchildren. Jean was a loyal Hawkeye fan for many years. Since she was unable to go to the games, she watched all the sports she could find on TV. She loved reading and always kept a mystery within reach. She also loved to garden.

Jean enjoyed visiting with her many friends. Since she retired, she volunteered at the Mercy Hospital gift shop for many years. She also volunteered at the Levitt Center when the U of I Foundation needed help. Jean belonged to The University Club, U of I Retirees Association (Grey Hawks), Mercy Guild and PEO Chapter KQ. She helped organize the College of Dentistry retired women's luncheon group.

Survivors include her son, Jim Kretzschmar and his wife, Julie, of Iowa City, their children, Matthew and Muneera Kretzschmar and their daughter, Leila, Kristopher, and Jaclyn Kretzschmar and their daughter, Khloe; Britt More and Chad Johnson; son, Randy and Cindy Kretzschmar of Racine, Wis., and their children, Alex Kretzschmar, Katie Kretzschmar and Evan Gehl; and daughter, Jane and John Worstell of Coralville.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents.

Jean's family wishes to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Craig Champion, the caring medical staff at Mercy Iowa City and Lantern Park Specialty Care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.