Elde McCoy Kretlow, 79, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.

Elde was born on 0ctober 17, 1943 in Albert Lea, MN to Earl and Ella (Gillespie) Kretlow. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1962. He attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon from 1962-1964. He was in the Auto Parts business for 28 years (1964-1992) during which time he owned Elde’s Auto Parts and had stores in Owatonna, St. Peter and Faribault, MN. In 1992, he started his career in the commercial air handling industry as a sales engineer for King Company and Evapco Inc. through his retirement in June of 2013.

On June 21, 1964, he was united in marriage to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Judy Reese. Together they had three children: Angie, Matthew and Robin who were his pride and joy.

Elde kept his family close through his constant and avid involvement in their life: he never missed a game, a match, or performance no matter the circumstance or physical toll. Looking into the crowd Elde was always seen, and if he was not seen he was heard, with his booming voice cheering on the people he loved.

Elde was blessed with many gifts but none as impactful as his mechanical mind and his willingness to help others. Elde constantly devoted his time, wisdom, and humor to anyone who needed help. He gave countless hours back into the community he loved by serving on various boards and committees. When all else seemed lost you could count on Elde to appear and seemingly magically fix the problem, no matter the time or place.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ella; brothers, Marvin Orlo Kretlow, Claude Earl Kretlow and brother in law, Alan Tinnerstet.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; children, Angie (Paul) Paige of Big Lake, Matthew (Arla) Kretlow of Owatonna and Robin (Eric) Stanton of Owatonna; grandchildren, Logan (Vanessa) Paige, Landen (Megan) Paige, Stephanie Kretlow, Sydney Kretlow and Drew Kretlow and Macy Stanton; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Paige and Luella Paige; sister, Gwen Tinnerstet and sisters in law, Carol Kretlow and Betty Kretlow.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Tuesday, June 6th from 3:00 - 7:00 PM and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Amanda Floy officiating. Livestream Elde’s service at: https://wearelivetoday.com/elde-kretlow . Interment will be in Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Clinton Falls Township.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.