Thomas Kret

Thomas Henry Kret, 64, passed away at his home September 16, 2009. Visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial services will follow at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home - Olathe Chapel, 14275 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kan., (913) 768-6777. Thomas was born October 19, 1944, to Sylvester and Mildred Kret in Detroit, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joseph. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School, Warren, Mich., and joined the Army in July 1962. After a year in Korea, he was stationed at Leavenworth, Kan. After his discharge from service, he worked at Ford in Detroit. He returned to Kansas in 1966 to marry his wife of 43 years, Anita Louise Brown. They had two children, Michael and Deborah. Tom joined the I.B.E.W. Local 226 Union in Topeka, Kan., and began his apprenticeship in 1969. He later transferred to I.B.E.W. Local 124, Kansas City, Mo. He worked as an electrician at Midwest Research Institute for many years, where he made many friends. He retired in October 2006. Tom was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Olathe, Kan. Tom loved playing golf with his son and son-in-law and his many friends at Heritage Park Golf course and in the I.B.E.W. 124 golf league. He was a great father, husband and grandpa and will be greatly missed by all. He leaves his wife, Anita of the home; son Michael, Olathe; daughter Deborah and her husband Doug, and two grand children, Grand and Gavyn of Olathe. He also leaves a brother, Albert of Forrestville, Mich. The family suggests contributions to Olathe Hospice or Redeemer Lutheran Church in Olathe.