John Kretzmann Obituary

Sorry to hear of Jody's passing. Sincere condolences to loved ones.

I don´t believe I know the family so this may seem to come out of nowhere. I was a colleague of Jody at Northwestern. I think I knew Jody dating back to the early Center for Urban Affairs years. They were glory years in large part due to Jody and his pathbreaking cohorts. One small, but personal, testament to Jody´s work and legacy is that I caught up with Jody and John McKnight years later as a journalism professor at Medill. I did a regular run of guest lectures in the program Jody ran during the summers at UIC. I say that just to fix time and place. The larger truth is that no time and place defined Jody. My vivid memories of him are his good hearted nature and that smile. Incandescent.

There is a passage in Leon Wieselthier´s Kaddish that might be of comfort. "The difference between the living and the dead is the difference between the remembered and the forgotten. To be alive but forgotten, or neglected, or denied: is that not a kind of death? And to be dead but remembered, or studied, or missed: is that not a kind of life?"

May your memories of Jody be fond and plentiful and with you as they are with his students and colleagues.

Fondly, Jack Doppelt

Ingrid, Mark, Steve, and family. I was thinking back to recess at Immanuel School days. I cannot forget Jody up at bat, running to first—and his trick knee went out. I can still see the pain—and persistence— as he by himself forced his knee back in place. And the game went on. I imagine that was the way with his whole life. He was one of those few whom people just want to be around. My sympathies to you and all your family—thinking of you. I was talking with my brother Fred today about those times. He sends his sympathies, too.

Ingrid, Mark, and Steve. I am thinking of Jody at Immanuel times. So clear in my mind is Jody up at bat, taking off for first—and his truck knee went out. I can see the pain—and persistence—as he by himself forced the knee back in place. And he went on with the game. One of those times that sticks with you all these years. Over the years, I have thought of you folks often. Great memories. My heartfelt sympathies to your whole family—thinking of you. My brother Fred sends his sympathies, too. We were in the phone today, thinking back.

Phil Deters in Hawaii

I am so grateful for the life of Jody Kretzmann, and his extraordinary commitment to justice in all its dimensions. For shared times at Holden Village and in Chicago, I give thanks, and extend my condolences to Ingrid, Katie and Marcus.

Hello Ingrid, Katie and Marcus,
So sorry to hear that Jody passed away. Brought back so many memories of those FWP days when we used to cross paths so often. His smile, demeanor, friendliness, and just the way he treated other people were examples of which we all could admire. A truly fine person who contributed greatly to our world. Judy and I send condolences.

Jody you will be missed by all that knew you and were lucky enough to work and learn from you! Your legacy lives on through the tireless love, passion and commitment for community and those most vulnerable that you shared!

Enjoyed his work and friendship. Godspeed.
Donation: American Red Cross

My sincere condolences to Ingrid and the family. It was a pleasure to work for them as a caregiver here in Sturgeon Bay. Much love from Cara from Christian Servants

A great loss to the family and community at large. An inspiring example of compassion and leadership as was his father