Martin Bretz

Martin Frederick Bretz, age 89, of Lemoyne PA passed away March 21, 2013.

Martin was born November 2, 1923 in Cleveland, OH, to the late Martin H. and Anna (Drotleff) Bretz.

He served his country proudly as a member of Mac Arthur's 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division in WWII. He met his wife of 59 years, Joyce (Bryan), through the letters she wrote to him while he was stationed overseas. He went to the University of Illinois and worked as an electrical engineer for GE for 35 years in Erie, PA. He helped design subway train engines and brake systems.

He will always be remembered for his great hugs, his love for his family, his desire to serve others through his church and tutoring GED and ESL, and his enjoyment of talking and joking with everyone he met. He loved visiting with his grandchildren, always willing to play checkers or a long card game of war. He was truly unforgettable and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his son, William Bretz, and his two brothers, William and Richard Bretz.

Marty was a beloved father and grandfather. Surviving are his three daughters Beverly Yaiko (George), Marta Foltz (Harold), and Carrie Clarke (Greg), his nine grandchildren, Jessie (Foltz) Anderson, Daniel Yaiko, Kelly (Foltz) Potteiger, Kevin Yaiko, and Nathaniel, Anna, Joshua, Sarah, and Benjamin Clarke, and his 7 great grandchildren, 2 of which are yet to be born.

A graveside committal service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery at 3:00 pm on Thursday April 4, 2013 followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1002 Powell Ave. Erie, PA 16505 with Reverend Kimberley Saylor presiding.

Erie arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26 Street Erie, PA 16506.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.