Rev. Robert J. Kretzschmar Obituary

Friday, July 30th, 1943 - Thursday, February 8th, 2024

Reverend Robert James Kretzschmar passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024.

Pastor Bob, known for his sweet demeanor, thoughtfulness, and unwavering

dedication to our Lord, leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service

that will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bob was born July 30, 1943 in Monroe, Michigan to Carl and Bernice

Kretzschmar, moments after his “womb-mate,” Donald. The spirited boys grew up

in a Lutheran household. The twins were called to be pastors, like their father,

grandfather, and great-grandfather before them. In their early twenties, the twins

summered in Ocean City where they ministered through music and song on the

beach.

For over forty years, Bob served as a beacon of hope and solace to countless souls

through his ministry as a Lutheran pastor. Bob vicared at Emmanuel, Catonsville,

MD, and was ordained on September 7, 1969. He served as a Navy Chaplain in

Newport, RI, and led parishes in Roselle, IL, and throughout Baltimore, MD (First

Lutheran, Towson; Bethany Lutheran, Violetville; and Calvary Lutheran,

Baltimore). For 25 of those years, he found his home at Calvary Lutheran Church,

where his presence brought comfort and inspiration.

Pastor Bob also served the Southeastern District as pastoral delegate to

conventions, member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Mission Society of

Maryland, member of LINC Baltimore for Lutheran Inner City Churches, member

of the board for Professional Care Services of the SED, and delegate for the

Baltimore Lutheran High School Association. Pastor Bob was Chaplain at Spring

Grove State Hospital, Director of Pastoral Services at Union Memorial Hospital,

and President of the Lutheran Home and Hospital Foundation Board.

Continual learning was a hallmark of Bob’s journey. He earned a Master in

Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, followed by a Master in Counseling

Psychology from Loyola College to supplement his parish ministry with pastoral

counseling. He was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

(L.C.P.C.) in Maryland and a National Certified Counselor, as well as a clinical

member and fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. He

served the community as a counselor with the Pastoral Counseling Services of MD,

Inc., and served his fellow pastors as Pastoral Counseling Chaplain at professional

church worker conferences and as Circuit Counselor. His quiet humility lent itself

to the role of counselor, where he poured his heart into facilitating communication

to heal relationships through therapeutic ministry. His genuine concern for the

well-being of others touched lives in ways that rippled outward to suffering

families.

Bob enjoyed music, often picking up a guitar or trombone to praise God in song

and anthem. He led informal worship on the beach in his early ministry, and years

later, relaunched that style of “church without walls” as he created an outdoor

service and praise band at Calvary. His musical enjoyment stretched beyond

professional settings into performing with his kids in a Christmas band for the

enjoyment of both church and family.

Among Bob’s greatest joys was time spent with his brother’s family on vacation.

Together the two families created and performed songs. To hear the twins sing

together was a beautiful high point. Song and laughter followed wherever the

Kretzschmars explored on those vacations, offering a powerful message of joy and

praise to many roller coaster lines.

Nature and water drew Bob’s attention and admiration. He was a competitive

swimmer well into his middle years, and sought the pool for exercise for as long as

he was able to do so. He ran in several local races through scenic landscapes,

declaring that a strong finish is a victory of its own. He captained the USS

Kretzschmar at Lake Linganore to the delight of his children. In later years, Bob

was an avid Regatta-enthusiast, often found racing the “Glory Bee” against other

model sailboats at Oak Crest Village. The greenest of thumbs, Bob nurtured the

most wilted of plants back to vibrant health, and found serenity in the process of

planting and tending to local horticulture, even beyond his own garden. Bob’s

well-tended yard and pond were officially recognized as a wildlife refuge. Bob also

ushered comfort for his family with his consistent, yearlong use of the fireplace

and his meticulously stacked cord of firewood.

This period of mourning is compounded by the recent passing of his twin brother, a

loss that weighs heavily upon the hearts of those who knew them both. From this

life to the next, their bond remains unbreakable. We imagine “the Dads” back to

swimming laps and strumming guitars in heaven. They live on in our hearts and

traditions, and through Christ, they live on in heaven as well. Praise God from

whom all blessings flow.

Bob was the cherished husband of Diane E. Kretzschmar (nee Hoopert) and the

devoted father of Ian Kretzschmar and his wife Lisa, Tracey Clements and her

husband Bryan, James Gentry III, Brendan Kretzschmar and his wife Wendi, and

Matthew Kretzschmar. Bob’s love extended to his grandchildren: Morgan

Clements, Jordan Clements, James Gentry IV, Julia Gove, Elin Gentry, Lincoln

Gove, Connor Gove, and Leah Kretzschmar, all of whom he adored.

Visitation hours in memory of Rev. Kretzschmar will be held at the E.F. Lassahn

Funeral Home, P.A., 11750 Belair Road (Kingsville), on Friday, March 1, 2024,

from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A memorial service to celebrate his life will take place at

Calvary Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s

Association at www.alz.org or to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2625 E. Northern

Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21214, in honor of Rev. Robert James Kretzschmar's

legacy of love and service.

Though Bob has gone to his heavenly home, his smile continues to shine brightly

in our hearts. His kindness, compassion, faith, and humor will be cherished by

those who knew him and by those who are blessed by the caring ripple the Holy

Spirit created through him.