Judie Mae Kretchman

August 27, 1948 - January 24, 2022

Judie M. Kretchman passed away on the morning of Monday, January 24th, 2022, at the tender age of 73. She departed this world on her own terms; peacefully in her sleep, next to her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, without ever setting foot in a hospital. Judie never had an ailment that a tiny glass of wine and a few ibuprofen wouldn't cure. There was nothing in this world that meant more to her than time with her family and friends. As soon as she knew your presence, or heard your voice, she dropped everything to give you her full attention. The empathy she had for each person was limitless, and never left her soul, even after they left the room. One should never feel alone after talking with Judie, because she would share your heaviest burden, or exuberant joy, and make you feel so special, particularly when you needed it the most. She not only loved you, but loved every experience and detail that made you, you. Judie was born in Ironwood, MI on August 27th, 1948. She moved to Gladwin, MI in 1956 due to her father's job relocation. Dan Kretchman, her husband, born in Chicago, IL moved to Gladwin, MI that same year for that same reason. It would take 6 more years before their first romantic encounter, which involved grape juice and salt water taffy. Dan spilled the juice on her parent's couch, and although that stain was removed, their bond of love would last forever. She graduated from Gladwin High School, then went on to Ferris State University for her Medical Assistant Degree. After Dan returned home from serving in the Vietnam War, he promptly married his love on March 21, 1970. They went on to have two wonderful, athletic children with bad knees, Essa Roemer and Jason Kretchman. They settled on Bay City, MI to raise their family and start their ownership of the 7-Eleven on Cass & Broadway for 47 years. The friendships they made at that business were as large and endless as a Big Gulp. Judie never realized her love could grow more until she had grandchildren. She felt blessed to add Austin (the musician), Zoe (the dancer), Elise (the artist/actress), and Cameron (the gamer) to the list of names that were the loves of her life. She never missed a game, recital, birthday, show, or basement performance. She was their #1 supporter and fan. To carry on her legacy, Judie leaves behind her husband, Dan Kretchman; children, Essa Roemer, and Jason (Erica) Kretchman; grandchildren, Austin and Zoe Roemer, and Elise and Cameron Kretchman; sisters, Patty (Mark) Kehoe, and Cheryl (Fred) Greynolds; sister-in-law, Karen (Pat) Henry, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. Judie was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lillian Williams, and parents-in-law, Fred and Olive Kretchman. We miss you. We love you. We know you're not alone. We know you're with us. We know you're waiting for us. We will see you again. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Judie’s family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 12:00 PM until the Memorial Ceremony at 3:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Pastor Chris Garcia officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Judie Kretchman's honor for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Humane Society of Bay County (HSBC), or the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com