Debra Ann Kretchmer

October 4, 1954 ~
April 6, 2024

Debra Anne Kretchmer, age 69, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Debbi recently retired from Metro Health Cancer Center and was looking forward to spending more time with her family. She was “Grandma Deb” to many and acted as a mother hen to her friends and coworkers. She had a passion for helping others and would never hesitate to help others around her. She also enjoyed Spartan basketball. “Go Green!” She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, L. Glenn; children: Melissa (Shane) Asmus, Jessica Kretchmer; twin grandchildren: Oliver and Madison; siblings: Michael (Peggy) Laskus, Margaret “Peggy” Wing; brother-in-law, Gary (Frances) Kretchmer; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Mary Lou Laskus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to U of M West Foundation-Cancer Center.

Visitation: Thursday, April 11 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Visitation
Thursday, April 11
5:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, April 12 | 11:00am

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, April 12
11:00am

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
1253 52nd St SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 13, 2024

We were so sorry to hear of Debbies passing. Karen always remembers how sweet Debbie was when she babysat for her, Mike, and Peggy. Debbie and her family are in our prayers. Tom, Karen, Monica, Brian, and families.

- Botwinski and Ambrose familes

April 11, 2024

The world lost a bright smiling light, and she will be missed. Debbi and I spent a lot of fun times together growing up. Teresa Thompson, Virginia Bowerman, and I used to have so much fun together. Debbi was so funny, always ready with a smart remark or an idea for hijinks. In later years, our families became intertwined when her Father, Roger Laskus golfed and bowled with my hubby and his friends. Then, Roger would come and visit me at the bank where I worked, teaching all the customers some language that they may not of heard at all the other banks. Lol. He was a character and Debbi took such good care of him after her Mom, Mary Lou, passed away. She also was one of the first ones to show up for any Lee Functions that we had or any weddings, birthday parties, or funerals for our common fiends. Always with her inquisitive eyes scanning the room, and her bright smile, when she connected with people. She was a wonderful Mom, Grandma, Wife, Daughter, and Friend. We will miss you, Debbi! With sincere sympathy, Teri Berridge Doughty

- Teri Berridge Doughty

April 10, 2024

I was deeply saddened to learn of Debbie's passing and am very sorry for your loss. Growing up in the neighborhood, sharing such wonderful memories of our youthful activities, and then reconnecting over the past decade through school functions. Our last dinner was in November prior to the symphony, and we shared such an incredible conversation, reminiscing, and as always - she had such a funny recollection to share. She worked so long in caring for those with cancer, she truly gave of herself to help lighten their loads in so many ways, in so many "small" things which really made a difference to them. I am blessed to have her friendship through the decades and will miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

- Jeanne Kapenga M.D.

April 10, 2024

Sorry to hear about your loss, Debbie was such a sweet person and I enjoyed her company. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

- Nicole Malnar

April 09, 2024

So sad to hear of your family’s loss. My condolences and prayers for comfort, peace and strength during this difficult time. I attended Lee with Debbi, and had such fun catching up with her at the 100 year celebration of LHS in early October. Debbi was so kind and caring to my father when he was a patient at the cancer center. We always looked forward to her smiling face and gentle expression of support. She will be deeply missed by many.

- Cheryl Rose Hauslein

April 09, 2024

- Cheryl Rose Hauslein

April 09, 2024

Prayers for Peggy and family. So sorry for your loss.

- Marie Thede

April 09, 2024

I went to high school and JC with Deb. We were not close friends but she was always kind and very sweet. My sympathy to her family, I'm sure she will be greatly missed.

- Cathie Hansen (Thompson)

April 09, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Debbie at the cancer center. She loved the patients and they loved her. She was a beautiful, selfless, and kind. Her sense of humor was the greatest. My father has terminal cancer and she always made a point to check on us and warmly give me her advice. I am so blessed to call her a friend. She spoke about her family all the time with such love. My love and prayers go out to all of you.

- MaryKay Schimke

April 08, 2024

Prayers for the Lord's comfort, peace and strength to be with you during this difficult time and the days, months and years to come. Debbi was a great friend at work and kept us laughing.

- Debra Behrmann

April 08, 2024

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful Mother, Jessica and family. Condolences to you all and may you find comfort in the love and support of your loved ones.

- Faris Qussar