Mr. Michael Henry Kretschmer, "Papa Silly Duck", 77, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital following covid illness. He was born on June 26, 1944 in Elkhart to the late Bernard "Bernie" and Sophia (Gotowski) Kretschmer.

Surviving Michael is his son Chancey (Brandi) Kretschmer of Bristol and daughter Sophia "Sophie" (Shaun) Wixson; sisters Loretta (Richard) Chapura of Sarasota, Florida and Dorothy "Dottie" (Mike) Morando of Santa Barbara, California, grandkids Serenity, Shaun, Jaden, Shaylee and Stryder; his close loved friend Susie Beggs of Elkhart and his former spouse, mother-of-the-children and loving friend, Barbie (Jan Brabec) Herzberg of Elkhart. He is also survived by a huge host of loving extended family, good friends and business colleagues. In accordance with Michael's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at St. Vincent's Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart on Monday, March 21, 2022. Later in the day, family and friends are encouraged to come visit Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart from 5 to 7 pm for a public celebration of Michael's life, sharing of stories, and maybe even sharing a laugh or two. Michael was a man who wore many caps throughout his life; doing everything from being a business entrepreneur to being a "professional" student always learning new things, to being a photographer of different styles and mediums. However, if we were to pin him down to any "one" occupation, it was agreed that he would want to be remembered as a "freelance" photographer, capturing images spanning from studio and product placement for magazines, aerial photography, to street-wise urban action photography, to nature and wildlife, to people and candid shots, to anything that caught his eye. He simply loved the science of capturing the perfect image and moment in time. Michael was also a hard-core outdoorsman and loved all types of aquatic settings. He was an avid beach bum, and anything that included sand, water or nature, well, Michael was all about it. He was also a zealous paddler and looked forward to every Father's Day where he would take his kids and their friends canoeing down Christiana Creek. Additionally, he liked to visit places like Boot Lake and the beaches at New Buffalo and Warren Dunes.

He had a stellar relationship with all of his grandchildren, who loved their Papa Silly Duck very much. They were the center of his universe, and he always wanted to include them in all of the family activities. He was so proud of his grandkids. Michael was raised Roman Catholic but became more spiritually open-minded as he got older. He marveled at God's creations and enjoyed being a part of it. He was also very into martial arts, swimming and personal health and fitness, telling silly stories, and enjoying time with his friends and family. Friends and family wishing to make a monetary donation in Michael's memory may do so by sending your contribution to an organization of your choice. Additionally, please be sure to thoroughly browse Michael's obit page, as you are able to leave condolences and memories, post photographs on his memory wall, and order other funerary items in regard to the family. We hope that you will take the time to join us as we say our last good-byes to a dad, a brother, a grandpa, a son, a friend, a sweetheart and an amazing man whose memory will forever live in the hearts of those he loved!!