Janice Kretschmar

Janice Faye Bodden Kretschmar, 88, was united with her heavenly father on December 10, 2025. She was a long-time resident of Sugar Land, Texas. She was a loving wife, mother, and Grammies, and a beloved friend to many. She is preceded in death by her parents John Culver Bodden and Frances Reeves Bishop Bodden, brother, John Culver Bodden, Jr. and beloved husband, Walter E. Kretschmar, Jr. and grandson, Evan Painter. Janice was born in Mobile, Alabama on September 26, 1937. She lived in Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana prior to moving to Houston where she attended Pershing Middle School and graduated from Lamar High School in 1955. After high school, she attended Baylor University where she earned a baccalaureate degree majoring in elementary education in 1959. A friend from Houston introduced her to Walter shortly after arriving in Waco. Three years later they were married on August 30, 1958, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. They had three daughters Cynthia Schiefen, Shirley Horstman, and Susan Oxley, six grandchildren Holly Painter Swenson, Wayne Schiefen, Brooke Painter, Valerie Schiefen, Evan Painter, and Clay Painter, and son-in-laws William Schiefen, Daniel Horstman and Douglas Oxley. Janice was a lifelong Lutheran and a longtime member of St. Philip Lutheran where she taught 5th grade Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed bible studies and had an impressive knowledge of the bible. She volunteered in other capacities including VBS, Alter Guild and she served as a Deaconess and as a Stephen’s Minister while a member of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church. She made many treasured friends within her church communities and was at her happiest when welcoming new visitors to the church. She had the heart of a servant for Christ and service to others. Janice loved to spend time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She loved to travel with her best friend, Barbara Kurtz. They had a true friendship of a lifetime. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 am at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Sugar Land, TX with a family visitation at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Fishers of Men Lutheran Church’s memorial fund in Janice’s name, Citizens for Animal Protection, or a charity of choice.

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Janice Kretschmar

September 26, 1937 - December 10, 2025