William R. Kretser

William R.  Krester, 86, of Herkimer, New York passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

William was born on March 31,1937, to parents LeRoy John Kretser Sr. and Laura (Getman) Kretser in Lassellsville NY.

William was a proud Veteran of the United States Army, enlisting on April 13, 1955, and was honorably discharged on March 8, 1958 with the rank of Specialist Third Class.

He later went on to drive tractor trailer for Oneida Freight, VNR and Winter Haven Florida's Peterbilt until retirement in 2021.

William enjoyed golfing, driving truck and spending time with his family.

In 1986, William met Patricia in St. Johnsville, NY where they later went on to marry on December 31,1988. William and Patricia went on to have a loving marriage for 35 years.

William was predeceased by his parents, LeRoy and Laura Kretser, sister Barbara Manchester, sister-in-law Shirlee Kretser, daughter, Elaine Kretser, son, Scott Kretser and grandson-in-law, Todd Wheaton.

He is survived by wife Patricia Kretser of Herkimer; brother, LeRoy Kretser Jr. of Fort Plain; stepsons, Kevin Souza wife Heather of St. Johnsville, and Robert Souza wife Dawn of Latham; stepdaughters, Cheryl LaQuay husband Bruce of St. Johnsville, Karen Grygiel husband Douglas of North Carolina; daughter, Kelly Kretser-Thomas of Florida; his sister, Shirley Berry of Rockwood, NY; grandchildren, Stephanie Hisert husband James Hisert, Courtney Wheaton, Brandon Souza, Logan Souza, Lane Claus, Colton Souza, Hydie Van Avery. William also was blessed with five great grandchildren Lacey and Landon Hisert, Weston Wheaton and Sienna Van Avery and Gracelyn Greer of Tennessee.

Graveside service with full military honors accorded to be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Dolgeville NY with Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor of the Holy Family Parish, Little Falls, NY officiating. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. 

Williams' family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to The Dementia-Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Envelopes will be available at the graveside service.

 Williams family would like to thank all the amazing staff at St. Luke's ICU in Utica NY. The nursing staff as well as doctors Scott Brehaut, Clifford Soults and Jameel Arastu who went above and beyond to ensure that William and his family were comfortable and cared for.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.