Funeral service for Mrs. Virginia Anne Kretzschmar, 88, of Blountsville, is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Reverend John Bussman and Reverend Christopher Clark officiating. The visitation will be Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the church. Interment will follow the service at Hopewell Cemetery in Hanceville, Al.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
Mrs. Kretzschmar passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Denzer Grayot and Goldie Elizabeth (Suttles) Shoemaker, husband, Kenneth James Kretzschmar, and brother, D. Dale Shoemaker.
Her children survive her; son, James Mathew (Donna) Kretzschmar; daughter, Laura Elizabeth (Dan) Brown; grandchildren, Brian (Emily) Hayes, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Lamar, Emily (Eric) Trahan, Erin (Shawn) Smith and Laura (Seth) Martin and nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Brian Hayes, Jeffrey Lamar, Eric Trahan, Shawn Smith, Seth Martin, Minor Lamar, Asher Lamar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran School, 510 3rd Avenue SE, Cullman, AL 35055.
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The following Remembrance was written by Virginia’s family:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Virginia was born on July 8, 1936, to Denzer and Goldie Shoemaker. Her brother, Dale, was born a decade later. Virginia had a fun and, at times, mischievous spirit. In 1955, she married Kenneth James Kretzschmar. Their daughter, Laura Elizabeth, was born in 1957 with son, James Mathew, following in 1961. Over the next few decades, their family increased in number with the addition of five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Kenneth and Virginia were incredible parents and the most outstanding and loving grandparents. They were a blessing to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Kenneth and Virginia Kretzschmar were the earthly embodiment of Romans 12:10:
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Throughout their lives, they led by example. They loved each other greatly. They had an incredible work ethic. They were steadfast and true friends. They were in church every Sunday they were able. They stayed in the word. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” They lived completely devoted lives to one another and their family. They raised their children and grandchildren in the way they should go.
Virginia may be gone from this world, but we know she has been reunited with the saints that have gone before her. She and her beloved husband are reunited and we find so much joy knowing they are in paradise. Virginia will live on through her family. Her blue eyes, blonde hair, spunk, and stubbornness run strong throughout her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The example of steadfast love and devotion to her husband and family set strong standards that her loved ones hold on to dearly.
Our family thanks you for your continued support and prayers through this time of mourning.
