John Raymond Pretz, 93, of Moberly, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at his home.

A Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Mexico. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the Rosary at the church with Fr. Otto Keiser officiating.

Graveside Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.

John was born on November 19, 1927, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Raymond Leo and Martha Myrtle (Chamberlin) Pretz. On November 23, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, he married Rosemarie W. Schrader. She survives of the home.

Mr. Pretz was a graduate of De La Salle High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He then earned a B.S. Degree in Economics from Rockhurst College.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He enlisted on August 2, 1945, in Kansas City and served in World War II until being honorably discharged on August 17, 1946, in Shoemaker, California. He then re-enlisted on January 29, 1951, in Kansas City, served in the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged on August 20, 1951, in San Francisco, California.  As a Seaman 1 ^st Class, he had served on the PT Boat Base No. 17 USS Amsterdam and the USS Pasig AW-3.

Mr. Pretz had been a claims adjuster for State Farm until owning and operating several restaurants in Georgetown, Colorado, from 1968-1983. While in Colorado, he was a member of the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department from 1968-1985 with the last several years serving as Chief.

Mr. Pretz, in his dedication to the fire service, received his associates degree in Fire Science from Red Rocks Community College and also taught fire science classes for a short period at Red Rocks.

John was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed woodworking and used those talents to help remodel and refurbish the church altar.

Survivors include his wife of almost 71 years, Rosemarie Pretz of the home; eight children, Michael E. (Marilyn) Pretz of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Mark G. Pretz of Canon City, Colorado, Christina M. (Kenneth) Tolbert of Littleton, Colorado, Robert J. (Deborah) Pretz of Arvada, Colorado, Richard F. (Debi) Pretz of Golden, Colorado, Juliana M. (Gary) Herr of Edwards, Colorado, John T. (Shari) Pretz of Moberly, Missouri and Joseph P. (Stacy) Pretz of Kansas City, Missouri and sister-in law Liesa Chudziak of Bremen, Germany.  The roots of the Pretz Family continue to grow deeper and stronger with grandchildren, Christopher (Steffanie), Wendy (David), Brooke (Pablo), Jared (Sarah), Nucu, Ana, Ashley, Susan (Kyle), Stacey, Lisa, Amy, Nicholas, Jordan, Matt (Marie), Ross(Jill), Grayden (Amber), Bridger, Sam and Max; great grandchildren, Jade (Jackie), Landon, Raelyn, Logan, Noble, Jonas, Hailey, Zakery, Logan, Riley, Lillie, Rudie, Christian, Sterling, Peyton, Baylor, Knox, Oliver.

John was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dr. James B. Pretz (Bernadine) and Francis Leo Pretz; and two sisters, Mary E. Pretz and Rita M. (Bernard) (Pretz) Kaiser.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.