Virginia Kretschmer

Virginia Kretschmer, 93, long time La Grande resident, died Thursday September 3rd at a local care center.

Committal and interment will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Island City Cemetery.
A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10 at the La Grande First Baptist Church at 1702 6th Street and Spring Avenue.

Virginia was born on July 23, 1916 in Wallowa to William Henry and Mina Elizabeth (Allen) Spence. After graduating from Enterprise High School she attended Oregon State University graduating in 1938 with a degree in home economics. She returned to Enterprise and worked as a substitute teacher until moving to Elgin where she taught home ec at the high school. On December 25 1942 she was married to Stuart Eugene Kretschmer. She became a stay-at-home mom with the birth of her fist child. In 1952 the family moved to La Grande and she later worked for City Garbage Service as a bookkeeper for several years. She then helped her son, Bob in his grocery store, Hub City Foods, keeping books and billing.

Virginia was a very active and devoted member for over 50 years of the First Baptist Church in La Grande. She served as church historian, taught Sunday school and many other capacities while she was able.

Survivors include her children, Robert W. "Bob" Kretschmer of La Grande; James D. "Jim" Kretschmer of Beaverton; 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren with 2 more expected soon; sister, Carol Conrad of Beaverton and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1986, a granddaughter, Kristen in 1989. a son, John in 2000, and a brother, William "Bill" Spence in 2009

Friends who wish may make contributions in memory of Virginia Kretschmer to the Camp Elkanah scholarship fund in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Fund at 1502 7th Street, La Grande, OR 97850

.