Ernest "Ernie" R. Kretsch, age 91, of New Ulm, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Oak Hills Living Center with family at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, with Father Mark Steffl celebrating the mass. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home- North chapel in New Ulm.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 71 1/2 years, Theresia; son, Bradley (Kellie) Kretsch of Hugo; daughter, Mary ( special friend, Mike Doblar) Bauer of New Ulm; six grandchildren; Joshua (Sabrina) Kretsch, Gina (Stephen Chang) Kretsch, Stacey Kretsch, Brittany (Kevin) Speltz, Ryan Bauer, and Maria (Eric) McMonagle; 14 great grandchildren;  Sister, Monica (Randy) Wenninger of New Ulm; sisters in law, Colleen and Janice Kretsch of New Ulm; in laws, Sylvia Braun, Kate (Rick) Marcus, Linda Schroepfer, Dick (Lindy) Schroepfer, Tony( Shirley) Schroepfer and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ernest Jr, in infancy; parents, Anton and Eleanor Kretsch and in laws, Anthony and Birgitta Schroepfer; twin brothers, Pat and Paul Kretsch; in laws, LaDonna and Alphonse Mathiowetz, Barb and Dave Jensen, Robert Schroepfer and Melvin Braun.

Ernest R. Kretsch was born on July 5, 1934 in Siegel Township to Anton and Eleanor (Haala) Kretsch. He was united in marriage to Theresia Schroepfer on November 9, 1954 at St Mary 's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Ernie was employed at Ben's Bar, the Hauenstein Brewery, General Trading, where he was sent for many advanced education classes on engine repair, where he worked for 28 years. He then worked part time at M & R Paving and the New Ulm Country Club for another 20 years. He was a practical man and had more than average intelligence, only having an 8th grade education, due to family needs on the farm at that time. He could just about fix anything and did amazing wood working. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Catholic United Financial, sang in the church polka mass choir, the German Bohemian choir, and then the Concord Singers for 40+ years until his health caused him to become an inactive member. He volunteered at the New Ulm food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, and funeral lunches at Cathedral. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing with his grandkids at the rental cabin by Spicer, many fishing trips with the Concord Singers, dancing, playing softball, and many years of traveling with his wife, friends, family, and Concord Singers. Ernie's smile will be missed by many.