John Bretz

If there is one word to describe John Bretz, it would be strong; he was a man who was strong in his faith and a strong pillar in his community. He was a man with many accomplishments, but the one he was most proud of, was his family. John was a remarkable man who lived life to its fullest.

The year was 1927; it was a year that would forever change the face of communication. In January of that year, the first transatlantic telephone call was made from New York City to London. Ernest and Ellen (Putnam) Bretz of Toledo, Ohio were preparing for an event that would forever change the face of their family as well, as Ellen was due to give birth to their third child at any time. They were blessed on August 9, 1927 with the birth of a healthy baby, their first son, John. John's family moved from Toledo to Zanesville, Ohio, where he grew up. During his senior year, John enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California during the end of WWII. When he returned to civilian life, John moved back to his hometown of Zanesville, where he became a postal carrier. On his route he often waved at an intriguing young lady named Joan Hughes, a simple gesture that would pave the way for a love story that would span over sixty years. One evening in 1946, John met Joan, who was with a group of friends, on a street corner and boldly asked, "Who wants to go to the movies with me on Friday night?" Joan eagerly raised her hand and was soon swept off her feet by John, who was two years her senior. A whirlwind romance ensued, and the two were united in marriage, in June of 1948, in theTrinity Methodist Church in their hometown of Zanesville.

The young couple soon moved to Chicago, where John went to trade school to become a machinist. With his education completed, John and Joan moved back to Ohio, where they settled in Lancaster, located west of Zanesville, in 1949. It was here that they would be blessed with the birth of their three sons: Doug born in 1950, David born in 1954, and Reed, in 1964. As a father, John displayed the perfect balance between being patient, and being firm, even strict at times. His boys always knew where John stood, and what the rules were, they were never left with any gray areas regarding what the expectations were for them. John provided his sons with a strong foundation that would follow them throughout their lives; he taught them the invaluable importance of a strong work ethic, to know the difference between right and wrong, to follow the rules, and to never say "never."

Another important component of the firm foundation that John gave to his sons was the example he set for them with his strong faith, especially during trials. Difficult trials started for John when his son David had a series of convulsions at just three days of age; convulsions that resulted in brain damage for David. One of the most difficult things for any parent, is to helplessly watch their child experience difficulties, and this experience for John, was no different. What was different about John, however, was how he chose to handle himself and his response to this trial; John was a shining example of a man of faith, who together with his wife Joan, leaned on God for the strength to face each new day. When Reed was born ten years later and seemed to be headed for the same fate, John again displayed his solid faith, as he relied on God for strength during this difficult challenge. The outcome was different for Reed, however, as he did not suffer any ill effects from his convulsions. John's strong reliance on God extended to every area of his life, as this faith gave him the means to adequately provide for his family, in whatever way was needed. His job did require him to move his family to Michigan, where he found a perfect home in the village of Vicksburg. Joan and the kids saw the house for the first time only an hour before the moving truck arrived with all of their belongings!

Vicksburg was quite different than Lancaster had been, but it proved to be a tremendous blessing. Here, David was just a short distance from Kalamazoo, where he could receive special training. John and Joan also discovered that a small town suited them well; John became active in the local Lions Club, participated in the Rotary Showboat, became a member of the village council, and even became the village clerk. John and Joan socialized with their neighbors, but he was not ashamed when the refrains of "The Buckeye Battle Cry," of his beloved Ohio State could be heard coming from his television! The Vicksburg United Methodist Church also provided a wonderful atmosphere for John to not only attend, but also to serve in many ways. He served there in many different capacities from boards and committees to making sure the heat was on for Sunday services. John was always there to lend a helping hand in any way, never seeking any recognition in return. John worked hard, but he also found time to enjoy things like wood working in his own saw shop, or making wind chimes out of silverware. He also enjoyed playing cards and liked to walk through town with friends, or later in life, with Joan.

In 2004, John's health began declining and he moved to Riverview Manor, located in Three Rivers, where he would spend the remainder of his days. He adapted to his surroundings there and felt safe and secure in his environment.

John Bretz was a man with a true servant's heart; he was a man of faith who lived his life in harmony with his beliefs. He was a man who is remembered fondly as being a bit "set in his ways," but one of these "ways" that was of the utmost importance to John was acting with integrity. John was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John Bretz died on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Riverview Manor in Three Rivers. John's family includes his wife Joan, 3 sons: Doug (Sharon) Bretz of Richmond, VA, Reed Bretz of Grand Rapids, and David Bretz of Kalamazoo, two grandchildren: Andy and Ben. Visit with John's family and friends and share light refreshments, Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main. (649-1697) Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the same location. Please visit John's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to SHALOM Inc. PO Box 265 Kalamazoo, MI 49004.

Shalom is a Christian, non-profit organization serving developmentally disabled adults through family centered housing, social and educational activities, enriching the lives of those whose joy need not be disabled.