Robert O.W. Pretzsch

Robert O. W. “Orval” Pretzsch, 99, of Carmi, passed away at Carmi Manor Nursing Home in Carmi on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.  He was born on February 20, 1918 in Carmi, the son of Fred J. and Bertha Gertrude (Rister) Pretzsch.  He married Lillie Cartmill on January 8, 1938 in Concord and she survives.

Mr. Pretzsch was a mail carrier for 25 years.  He served in the U.S. Army during WWII.  He was a lifetime member of VFW, belonged to the Carmi Saddle Club, enjoyed going to the White County Senior Citizens and had served on the Board.  He loved woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Lillie; sons, James (Patty) Pretzsch, and Robert F. (Barbara) Pretzsch; daughter, Linda Joyce (Ron) Lounsbery; grandchildren, Keith (Michelle) Lounsbery, Kenneth Lounsbery, Rene Lounsbery, Lynda Jean (David) Powers, Rob Pretzsch, Carrie Ann (Brad) Gates; great-grandchildren, Jaclyn and Sean Powers, Brooks (Naomi) Lounsbery, Joseph and Alexus Gates; great-great grandchildren, Lily Ann and Luke Lounsbery; sister, Anna Jones.   He was preceded in death by brothers, Edward, Archie, and Laverne and sisters, Ruby Kearney and Helen Shelton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi with Rev. Braden Willis Officiating.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.  Burial will be in Kingdom Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the combined units of the Carmi American Legion and VFW. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carmi Manor Nursing Home or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and will be collected at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com