Harris Wayne Kretzmeier, 88, of West Lafayette, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at University Place.

He was born January 19, 1936, in Lafayette, IN, to the late John F. & Esther Keith Kretzmeier.

Harris was a 1954 graduate of Pine Township High School in Fowler, IN and upon graduation he served in the US Air Force until 1958. Harris worked for Senesac Fertilizer in Otterbein for many years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, vacationing in Florida, and was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. In his later years when his physical strength started to diminish, he could often be found in the passenger seat of the farm truck checking on crops and talking all things agriculture.

There were few things that Harris enjoyed more than fishing and road farming, but his true pride and joy were his grandchildren. Harris never knew a stranger; he may have forgotten to catch someone’s name, but every person he met was bound to laugh at his unique sense of humor. He was surprisingly witty and was not scared to point out the obvious. More often than not, those jokes came at his own expense.

Father, grandfather, veteran, fisherman, and salesperson. He had many titles in his 88 years of life and every step along the way, he was looking to add laughter and befriend all.

Harris was married to Marilyn Clerget with whom he had his four children, and they were later divorced. He later married Barbara Trout.

Surviving are son John (Kristi) Kretzmeier of Fowler, IN, son, Bryan (Debby) Kretzmeier of Franklin, TN, son, Keith (Jenny) Kretzmeier of Ooltewah TN, daughter, Pam (Aaron) Cobb of Otterbein, IN, grandchildren Kenzie (Ross) House, Clay Kretzmeier, Carson Kretzmeier, Christian Kretzmeier, Lindsey Yow, Grant (Shelby) Kretzmeier, Grace Kretzmeier, Ayren (Stefan) Certa, Lilly Cobb, and Sophie Cobb and two great grandsons, Geo Certa and Vaughn House.

Harris was preceded in death by parents and his two brothers Erwin and Phil Kretzmeier.
The family would like to thank the staff at University Place for the loving care that they provided to Harris for 4 years.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday March 23, 2024, at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Otterbein, IN. Services will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Kelly Sellers officiating. Interment will be at the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, IN. 2:00 PM EST (Lafayette) and 1:00PM CST (Goodland)

Memorial contributions may be made to: Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 E. Oxford St., P.O. Box 23, Otterbein, IN 47970.

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com