Raymond Walter Kretowicz, age 91, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on August 20, 2021, surrounded by loving family. Raymond was born on the west side of Grand Rapids in 1929 to Vladislav (Walter) and Pelagia Kretowicz, who preceded him in death along with his loving wife, Eljean, and his three siblings Leon, Edward, and Josephine. Ray played baseball and basketball prior to his graduation from GR Union High School, and told stories of his first jobs on a paper route, in a furniture factory, and at a lumberyard. Ray worked for the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co as a Meat Dept. Manager for almost 40 years, leaving only temporarily to serve in the US Army in Europe in the early 1950s. In 1954 Ray married Eljean Rose (Kinsley) and celebrated 56 years together prior to her passing. Ray and Eljean enjoyed family vacations, traveling to historic sites, and spending time with their grandchildren. Ray instilled a strong work ethic and DIY skills in his children. In recent years, Ray enjoyed working in his garden, conquering the daily crossword puzzle, and watching Michigan sports, continuing to drive and maintain his own home past the age of 90. Ray is survived by his four children, Kim Kretowicz (Robin Bice) of Comstock Park, Barbara (David) Bockheim of Rockford, Karen (Matthew) Schneider of South Bend, IN, and Tom (Tammy) Kretowicz of Byron Center, as well as 9 grandchildren (Robyn, Heather, Kellie, Maria, Gerrit, Nicholas, Kevin, Katherine, and Joseph), 8 great-grandchildren (Josh, Arianna, Caden, Kylie, Grayson, Lincoln, Jade and Kinsley), and several nieces and nephews including an especially close relationship with his nephew Bruce Kretowicz. Planning is underway for an October service with military honors at Ft Custer National Cemetery. The family would like to thank Faith Hospice for their comfort to Ray and his family in his final weeks.