Verdon Kretzschmar

Verdon “Burt” Kretzschmar was born April 12, 1951, in Watertown, S.D., to Don and Wava (Seefeldt) Kretzschmar.  He grew up on the family farm west of Willow Lake, S.D.  He attended country school in Hague Township through the seventh grade and then started attending school in Willow Lake, graduating in 1969. 

When he was a toddler, he contracted polio and was in rehabilitation in Huron, S.D., but by the grace of God, he survived. 

He married the love of his life, Judy Brower, June 3, 1972, in Willow Lake.  They lived in Aberdeen, S.D., for a number of years while Verdon worked construction projects. They moved to Rapid City, S.D., where Verdon continued to work construction. He also worked in Sheridan, Wyo., before they moved to Wright, Wyo., where Verdon worked at Coal Creek Mine and Black Thunder Mine. He worked there for 35 years as an equipment operator before retiring in 2017. 

Verdon and Judy have a residence in the beloved Black Hills of South Dakota, where they were spending their retirement years. Verdon was given the nickname “Burt” by his co-workers many years ago. 

He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating on Pactola, ice fishing, watching old Westerns on TV and riding his ATV.

Burt died July 9, 2020, at home in Custer after a nine-month battle with cancer. He was 69.

Those who have gone on before him are his parents and two brothers, Verlin and Kevin; brother-in-law, Jerry Brower; and sister-in-law, Jean (Myron) Edleman.

Verdon is survived by his wife, Judy; three sisters, Linda (Bryce) Collins of Willow Lake; Peg (Dale) Jorgensen of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Pam (Kendall) Borg of Garretson, S.D.; brother, Rodell (Desi) Kretzschmar of Willow Lake; and sister-in-law, Arlene Brower of Willow Lake; their cats, Kiddles and KC; and several nieces and nephews.

A public service was held July 17 in the Collins Cemetery at Willow Lake with the Rev. Randy Bader officiating. Casketbearers will be Lyle Forbes, Rickie Peterson, Marshall Edleman, J. R. Borg, Dave Weidenbach and Brent Jorgensen.

Condolences may be sent to 24966 Mica Ridge Rd, Custer, SD 57730. 

Furness Funeral Home of Clark is serving the family where there is an online registry at furnessfuneralhome.com.