Frank "Junior" Jr. Bretz

Frank Bretz Jr. passed away Friday, January 30, 2014 at his home in Hoxie, Kansas. He was born October 8, 1924 near Shields, Kansas to Frank Sr. and Inez (Thomas) Bretz. He attended grade school in Shields and later graduated from Dighton High School with the Class of 1942. In May of 1944 Junior joined the United States Navy. After Basic Training in Farragut, Idaho he spent 22 of the next 24 months on aircraft carriers in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946. Junior returned to Dighton to begin a life of farming. On January 2, 1947 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Eitel, the girl he had left behind, at the Christian Church in Dighton with his cousin Rev. Charles Bretz officiating. The couple was blessed with two sons, Dennis and Jan. In March of 1948, they moved to a farm north of Studley, Kansas where they made their home for 64 years. Junior worked in the Nichols Hardware store for 12 years then the Mickey Hardware store in Hoxie for 12 years. After working in the hardware business, he became a farmer and rancher. In addition, during this time, he became the caretaker of the Studley Cemetery. After retiring they moved to Hoxie. Junior loved sports, participating in bowling, golfing, square dancing, and his favorite, baseball. He played town team baseball in Hoxie for many years, and was there when the board fence was built around the ball field and the lights were put up. When his boys were old enough to play it was his turn to watch. Over the years, as time passed, he enjoyed watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play the game and experience the same love of baseball he had. Junior’s family was his pride and joy. He was very lucky to have them all nearby. He was a member of the former Studley Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion in Hoxie, and the VFW in Colby. He was a member of 4-H, a tradition that has carried on for generations with his sons, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. Junior is survived by his wife Evelyn Bretz of the home in Hoxie; son Jan Bretz and wife Teresa of Studley; daughter in-law Joy Bretz of Studley; sisters in-law Gladys Young of Great Bend, LaVona Murphy of Hill City, and Barb Eitel of Salt Lake City, UT; 6 grandchildren, Kristina and Jason Bell of Salina, Michael and Mollie Bretz of Hoxie, Jennifer and Jared Dowell of Hoxie, Tasha and Scott Cooper of Hoxie, Mark and Jodi Bretz of Prairie View, and Janel and Shane Beckman of Hoxie; 18 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Inez Bretz, son Dennis Bretz, sisters Anna Bretz and Wanda Coulter, brothers-in-law Howard Eitel, Estel VanPelt, Jim Murphy, Okie Young, and Elvin Coulter, and niece Sandra Coulter. Junior was a hardworking and fun loving man. He was a man of honor, character, and integrity putting God and family above all else. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts and lives of all who loved him. Reception: Hoxie United Methodist Church