Sally J Kretchmer

Sally J. Kretchmer, 76, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2023, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her sister Susan (Ken) Pedersen; nephews Matthew (Casey) Pedersen, Erik (Tammy) Pedersen, and Jason (Erin) Pedersen; great-nephews Jacob Pedersen, Connor Pedersen, Kent Pedersen, Jimmy Pedersen, and Everett Pedersen; great-nieces Marie Pedersen, Emma Pedersen, and Kenley Bloom. She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Betty Kretchmer.

She was born December 5, 1946, in Woodstock, IL to Floyd and Betty Kretchmer. She was raised in Harvard, IL. She played the saxophone and was involved in many musical activities in high school. She graduated from Harvard High School, before moving on to Illinois State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Sally then received a MS in Guidance and Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Her student teaching experience in spring 1969 was in the Barrington School District. This led to a full-time elementary teaching position in the Barrington School District for 33 years. As a teacher, she was highly regarded and loved by her colleagues. She had many good friends and will be fondly remembered. Sally enjoyed fishing, watching sports, and being with her family. Sally especially loved spoiling her three nephews and their children. She was her nephews, great-nephews, and great-niece’s biggest fan at all their athletic competitions. Sally liked to travel. She went on many trips with friends and on a yearly family vacation. Sally was a long-time member of the Voice of Harmony community choir. She also served on the choir’s governing board for many years. Sally enjoyed crafts such as needlepoint and making cards with high school classmate, Karen Kruse. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Harvard. Sally had a true Kretchmer family gene of loving any and all animals. She was a blessing to all who knew her. She will always be remembered and greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harvard Rescue Squad and First United Methodist Church of Harvard.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, November 11 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Harvard with a service to follow. A luncheon will take place following the service. Interment will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, please contact Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at (815) 943-5400.

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