Earl “Brant” Kretzing of Elliottsburg, age 88, joined his Heavenly Father on June 12, 2020. Born on March 12, 1932 to the late J. Ard and Charlotte (Long) Kretzing in Elliottsburg, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Dennis Kretzing, both an infant and adult sister respectively, Eleanor Mae Kretzing and Ada Guyer, and three brothers: Ernest Kretzing, Perry Kretzing, and Donald Kretzing. Brant only moved once from his earthly home, and that was to join his Heavenly Father.
Brant was a farmer who never met a stranger and loved to talk to people. He is survived by his loving wife, Lena Kretzing, and their daughter, Jean Reisinger (Robert) of Ickesburg. He was the grandfather of Dennis Reisinger (Rebekah) of Loysville and Joelle (Ian) Bond of Elliottsburg, and the great-grandfather of Clayton and Andrea Reisinger of Loysville, and Bradley Bond of Elliottsburg. In addition, he is survived by two brothers: Max (Arlene) Kretzing of Landisburg and Dale (Ruth Ann) Kretzing of Elliottsburg. He also leaves behind two sister-in-laws: Adelaide Kretzing and Patricia Kretzing and a brother-in-law, Charles Guyer.
Brant was a lifetime member of Mannsville Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg, where he served on the Church Council. He was never one to be up-front, but rather preferred to be always present and active behind the scenes. He was also a social member of the New Bloomfield Fire Department. He was the personification of “Extrovert”. He loved to talk and spend time with people. His life priorities were God as number one, and his family as number two. In addition to raising a family, farming, and actively participating at church, Brant also drove a bus transporting the students of West Perry School District.
A public viewing will be held Thursday, June 18 from 11 am to noon at Mannsville Lutheran Church in Elliottsburg. This viewing will follow the COVID parameters of no more than 25 people at one time in the church. As a creative solution to the COVID restrictions, the funeral service will begin at noon outside under an adjacent tent on the property of the Mannsville Lutheran Church. Social distancing and masks will be preferred to allow a gathering of more than 25 people to attend the service. Interment will follow the service at New Bloomfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mannsville Lutheran Church, 2944 Mannsville Rd, Elliottsburg, PA 17024.
Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.
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