HARPER-John Robert Gretter, age 91, of Williamsburg, formerly of Harper, died Sunday, November 18, 2012, at Highland Ridge Nursing Home in Williamsburg.
Robert was born February 10, 1921, in Keota, to Wynn Craven and Margaret (Flander) Gretter and graduated from St. Elizabeth High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On February 11, 1947 he married Bertha A. Fladung at St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota. The couple lived and farmed in the Harper area. Robert was a member of Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota and St. Mary Catholic Church in Williamsburg, the Knights of Columbus, and was a former member of the V.F.W. in Brooklyn. He enjoyed working with and for his neighbors, old time dancing, having a good time and his grandkids.
Survivors include his wife: Bertha of Williamsburg; daughter: Barbara Jean (Dr. Randy) Blaylock of Sigourney; four sons: Donald J. (Linda) Gretter of Peyton, Colorado, Samuel C. (Cheryl) Gretter, Anthony C. (Pam) Gretter and Kenneth A. (Angie) Gretter, all of Harper; 12 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and a brother: F. William Gretter of Keota. He was preceded in death by his parents; son: John Wynn Gretter and three sisters: Martha Miter Hammes, Dorothy Mikel and Virginia Bombei.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries – St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Harper. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the church, where there will be a wake service at 4:00 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established for the Holy Trinity Parish Restoration Fund or Highland Ridge. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Bob and his family. Condolences may be e-mailed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.