Dr. John E. Krettek passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022. He was a brilliant man, in fact a brain surgeon, and yet modest. When he retired from his practice, he oversaw the computerization of hospital records for 5 hospitals in eastern Missouri including St. Luke’s and Barnes Jewish hospitals in St Louis. He was fascinating to talk with and his interests knew no bounds; from sub-atomic particles to Jenghis Khan. He was the loving husband of Carol Krettek and will be deeply, profoundly missed by her. His brothers Fr. Tom, Fr. Dan and youngest brother Joe, one a parish priest, the other a Jesuit, Sisters Mary Elizabeth, Mary Kathleen and Mary Cecilia. Brilliance ran in his family and when all three brothers got together it was nearly impossible to keep up as they would pondered math problems in their head. He was witty and loved a good turn of phrase. Requiescat in pace John Krettet.
Mrs. Krettek,
I was sorry to hear that John passed. I fondly recall him laughing at me as I tackled a patient who was out of control on the 5th floor of MoBap due to intravenous Demerol. My frustration was his amusement. John died so young. I’ll really miss him.
Jim Marks, WUMS 1965
Mrs. Krettek,
I was sorry to hear that John passed. I fondly recall him laughing at me as I tackled a patient who was out of control on the 5th floor of MoBap due to intravenous Demerol. My frustration was his amusement. John died so young. I’ll really miss him.
Jim Marks, WUMS 1965
‘Johnny’ was always bigger than life. As the oldest brother he set the pace for all of us from his unsupervised escape from the house as a toddler (“hey mister is this your kid”) to being a “brain surgeon.” He did nothing halfway, including being a passionate, even ferocious parent. John was blessed to have dear Carol to share his life with; they fit so well together. It is our great hope that time and all the good memories will bring peace to Carol and Danielle in their loss. We cherish our memories of John.
With love and remembrance,
Cece and Mark
‘Johnny’ was always bigger than life. As the oldest brother he set the pace for all of us from his unsupervised escape from the house as a toddler (“hey mister is this your kid”) to being a “brain surgeon.” He did nothing halfway, including being a passionate, even ferocious parent. John was blessed to have dear Carol to share his life with; they fit so well together. It is our great hope that time and all the good memories will bring peace to Carol and Danielle in their loss. We cherish our memories of John.
With love and remembrance,
Cece and Mark
Dr. Krettek was a wonderful doctor and colleague. I started my career as a nurse in the neuro ICU at MoBap back in 1987, and worked closely with him for years. He was a nice and kind man, and an amazing neurosurgeon. He also knew my mother pretty well, she was the employee health nurse at MoBap and did work comp with him for years. When she passed away in 2004 he was kind enough to come to her funeral. He also did my first cervical spinal fusion in 2003, and as we got ready to roll into the OR he gave me a hug and said “I’m going to treat you like I would my own daughter in there”. I saw him many times around campus after he left practice, and he always had a smile and a hug for me. He was brilliant and kind, and he will be missed. My heart goes out to all of his family, so sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️
Dr. Krettek was a wonderful doctor and colleague. I started my career as a nurse in the neuro ICU at MoBap back in 1987, and worked closely with him for years. He was a nice and kind man, and an amazing neurosurgeon. He also knew my mother pretty well, she was the employee health nurse at MoBap and did work comp with him for years. When she passed away in 2004 he was kind enough to come to her funeral. He also did my first cervical spinal fusion in 2003, and as we got ready to roll into the OR he gave me a hug and said “I’m going to treat you like I would my own daughter in there”. I saw him many times around campus after he left practice, and he always had a smile and a hug for me. He was brilliant and kind, and he will be missed. My heart goes out to all of his family, so sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️
John was such a kind and unassuming person who truly cared about people and doing the right thing for all. He was a valued colleague and partner in the Epic build and implementation. A true leader at BJC
John was such a kind and unassuming person who truly cared about people and doing the right thing for all. He was a valued colleague and partner in the Epic build and implementation. A true leader at BJC
So sorry to hear this. I had the privilege of working at the neurosurgery office at St. Luke’s for a short time. Dr. Krettek was the most polite and gentle neurosurgeon I have ever met.
You have suffered a great loss!
So sorry to hear this. I had the privilege of working at the neurosurgery office at St. Luke’s for a short time. Dr. Krettek was the most polite and gentle neurosurgeon I have ever met.
You have suffered a great loss!
John was my friend and my mentor. Always available, always sage, and always kind—I will miss him greatly.
John was my friend and my mentor. Always available, always sage, and always kind—I will miss him greatly.
I fondly remembered Dr Krettek during my 10 plus years at Missouri Baptist. A brilliant man will be missed. Prayers to him and his family.
I fondly remembered Dr Krettek during my 10 plus years at Missouri Baptist. A brilliant man will be missed. Prayers to him and his family.
I have fond memories of hearing about “Johnny’s” escapades from his mother, Mary Ann, during the years we lived on Crescent Drive as neighbors and best friends. We spent many enjoyable evening hours on the telephone, listening to each other’s stories of our big families as they grew up.
My deepest sympathy to you, Carol, and Danielle.
I have fond memories of hearing about “Johnny’s” escapades from his mother, Mary Ann, during the years we lived on Crescent Drive as neighbors and best friends. We spent many enjoyable evening hours on the telephone, listening to each other’s stories of our big families as they grew up.
My deepest sympathy to you, Carol, and Danielle.
Oh Carol. I am so sorry. You waited a long time to find the love of yr life and yr time was cut short. You are in my prayers.
Want to talk just give me a call
Madonna
Oh Carol. I am so sorry. You waited a long time to find the love of yr life and yr time was cut short. You are in my prayers.
Want to talk just give me a call
Madonna
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Krettek at Missouri Baptist Hospital. One thing I distinctly remember is how he always remembered your name. During one case in particular, he asked for an instrument, which was called a Henley, but instead of using it’s correct name, he asked for a “henway”. Being a newly graduated scrub nurse, I asked “What’s a henway?” His reply, “About 5 pounds!” Always enjoyed working with him. So sorry to hear of his passing, too soon.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Krettek at Missouri Baptist Hospital. One thing I distinctly remember is how he always remembered your name. During one case in particular, he asked for an instrument, which was called a Henley, but instead of using it’s correct name, he asked for a “henway”. Being a newly graduated scrub nurse, I asked “What’s a henway?” His reply, “About 5 pounds!” Always enjoyed working with him. So sorry to hear of his passing, too soon.
I had the honor of working with him for a number of years in the ICU at Missouri Baptist Hospital he was a very caring and excellent surgeon he will be sorely missed
I had the honor of working with him for a number of years in the ICU at Missouri Baptist Hospital he was a very caring and excellent surgeon he will be sorely missed
I had the honor of working with him for a number of years of Missouri Baptist ICU. He was an excellent surgeon I truly enjoyed working with him. John will be sorely missed
I had the honor of working with him for a number of years of Missouri Baptist ICU. He was an excellent surgeon I truly enjoyed working with him. John will be sorely missed
So sorry to hear this news. John and I got to know each other in he early ‘70s when we were working on our doctorates at Washington U. Later reconnected as colleagues when I came to MoBap where we shared many patients. I could always trust his judgement. My sincere condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear this news. John and I got to know each other in he early ‘70s when we were working on our doctorates at Washington U. Later reconnected as colleagues when I came to MoBap where we shared many patients. I could always trust his judgement. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dr Krettek, was a wonderful person and an exceptional neurosurgeon. I had the pleasure of working with him on the neuro floor at MoBap for many years. Always trusted his knowledge and skill. He taught the staff and myself so much. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Dr Krettek, was a wonderful person and an exceptional neurosurgeon. I had the pleasure of working with him on the neuro floor at MoBap for many years. Always trusted his knowledge and skill. He taught the staff and myself so much. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
I got the honor and privilege of working with John He was a great mentor, advisor and friend. My condolences to family and friends.
I got the honor and privilege of working with John He was a great mentor, advisor and friend. My condolences to family and friends.
John was my boss for nearly 13 years at BJC. Brilliant individual who had enormous desire to learn. He will be dearly missed as a great individual. RIP.
He is reunited with his son.
John was my boss for nearly 13 years at BJC. Brilliant individual who had enormous desire to learn. He will be dearly missed as a great individual. RIP.
He is reunited with his son.
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Krettek at Mo Bap.in the ICU Just pure class and compassion. He entered a room – you just knew he was 100% behind every patient and staff taking care of his patients.
As a RN- my view was always . Well, we don’t see Dr. Krettek very often.. guess why? He was a great surgeon and his patients didn’t need ICU often! I am honored to have known him- May he RIP
Bill Hayes RN
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Krettek at Mo Bap.in the ICU Just pure class and compassion. He entered a room – you just knew he was 100% behind every patient and staff taking care of his patients.
As a RN- my view was always . Well, we don’t see Dr. Krettek very often.. guess why? He was a great surgeon and his patients didn’t need ICU often! I am honored to have known him- May he RIP
Bill Hayes RN
It is difficult to express my sadness for you and your family. He was a patient, kind, super smart man and I was lucky enough to work with him at MoBap Dr Krettek made a difference in so many ways in this world and we are all better for knowing him. So very sorry.
It is difficult to express my sadness for you and your family. He was a patient, kind, super smart man and I was lucky enough to work with him at MoBap Dr Krettek made a difference in so many ways in this world and we are all better for knowing him. So very sorry.
Oh wow! I am not sure what to say. I knew John for many years he did surgery on my mother and sister. There wasn’t anyone else I trusted.
We laughed, drank, and fished together with he and Carol. My heart goes out to her with prayers for peace!
He will be missed and mourned by many and remembered by even more.
Go with God my friend. Say hey to Bob for me! Catch a few big Bass while you are at it!!
Oh wow! I am not sure what to say. I knew John for many years he did surgery on my mother and sister. There wasn’t anyone else I trusted.
We laughed, drank, and fished together with he and Carol. My heart goes out to her with prayers for peace!
He will be missed and mourned by many and remembered by even more.
Go with God my friend. Say hey to Bob for me! Catch a few big Bass while you are at it!!
I appreciate getting the opportunity to work with Dr Krettek and learn from him during my time in CWI. He will be missed. Prayers to his family during this difficult time.
I appreciate getting the opportunity to work with Dr Krettek and learn from him during my time in CWI. He will be missed. Prayers to his family during this difficult time.
I’m very sorry to hear about this. Dr. Krettek was happy to gently put a young, brash ICU nurse in his place when needed, but he was also very happy to encourage him whenever possible in his career. I won’t forget your 5am executive rounds, either; you were the only administrator not taken aback by my bluntness!
Slainte and Godspeed to you, sir–
I’m very sorry to hear about this. Dr. Krettek was happy to gently put a young, brash ICU nurse in his place when needed, but he was also very happy to encourage him whenever possible in his career. I won’t forget your 5am executive rounds, either; you were the only administrator not taken aback by my bluntness!
Slainte and Godspeed to you, sir–
I took care of many of his patients in the ICU at Missouri Baptist. Brilliant surgeon, wonderful person. He will be missed.
I took care of many of his patients in the ICU at Missouri Baptist. Brilliant surgeon, wonderful person. He will be missed.
Dr. Krettek was one of the best men I have ever known and worked with. He made every staff person feel important and valued, and his knowledge knew no bounds. He was kind, funny, brilliant, and real. I am blessed to have been able to work around him, and to get to know him and his wife a little while helping care for their son. Mrs. Krettek, and the rest of the Krettek family, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. We lost a great one.
Dr. Krettek was one of the best men I have ever known and worked with. He made every staff person feel important and valued, and his knowledge knew no bounds. He was kind, funny, brilliant, and real. I am blessed to have been able to work around him, and to get to know him and his wife a little while helping care for their son. Mrs. Krettek, and the rest of the Krettek family, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. We lost a great one.
My heart is truly sad today. Like so many others i took care of many of Dr Krettek’s patients when I started working in the ICU at MoBap. A very skilled physician and a truly good, kind man. He never knew a stranger. God bless you sir.
My heart is truly sad today. Like so many others i took care of many of Dr Krettek’s patients when I started working in the ICU at MoBap. A very skilled physician and a truly good, kind man. He never knew a stranger. God bless you sir.
Dr Krettek was one of the kindest surgeons I’ve ever worked with. I would jokingly tell him he was too kind to be a neurosurgeon!! He will forever be in our hearts at Mo Bapt.
Dr Krettek was one of the kindest surgeons I’ve ever worked with. I would jokingly tell him he was too kind to be a neurosurgeon!! He will forever be in our hearts at Mo Bapt.
Had the privilege to work with Dr. Krettek and his colleagues many moons ago at Mo Bapt. What an amazing surgeon that never feared his actions to help a patient in the ICU! And liked an accomplice! Also his love of fishing and the stories he would share. He will be greatly missed. Glad I was able to know him and work with him in my health career.
Had the privilege to work with Dr. Krettek and his colleagues many moons ago at Mo Bapt. What an amazing surgeon that never feared his actions to help a patient in the ICU! And liked an accomplice! Also his love of fishing and the stories he would share. He will be greatly missed. Glad I was able to know him and work with him in my health career.
Carol and Danielle, please accept our deepest Sympathies on the Loss of Dr K. I’ve known him since 1991 at Mo Bap. In 1998 I got hired by NAI, and he mentored/trained me as to the “neurosurgical way of taking care of our patients”❤️
He was a leader in our office, We had the deepest respect for him. Patients and families loved him.
It’s hard to imagine he’s gone. I’ll remember him and always be grateful for everything he taught me. I’m the fortunate one, he always treated me as a part of his team. Rest in perfect Peace, Dr K. Our lives are all enriched for having known you. ❤️❤️
He also performed a successful lumbar discectomy for Charlie long ago.
Carol and Danielle, please accept our deepest Sympathies on the Loss of Dr K. I’ve known him since 1991 at Mo Bap. In 1998 I got hired by NAI, and he mentored/trained me as to the “neurosurgical way of taking care of our patients”❤️
He was a leader in our office, We had the deepest respect for him. Patients and families loved him.
It’s hard to imagine he’s gone. I’ll remember him and always be grateful for everything he taught me. I’m the fortunate one, he always treated me as a part of his team. Rest in perfect Peace, Dr K. Our lives are all enriched for having known you. ❤️❤️
He also performed a successful lumbar discectomy for Charlie long ago.
I worked with John in various capacities at Mo Bapt. He was a genuinely good and outstanding person. I considered it a privilege to work with him. He was the type of person you strive to be become.
I worked with John in various capacities at Mo Bapt. He was a genuinely good and outstanding person. I considered it a privilege to work with him. He was the type of person you strive to be become.
Dr. Krettek was one of a kind. He will be missed dearly.
Dr. Krettek was one of a kind. He will be missed dearly.
Rest In Peace, Sir. Juan and I both respected and genuinely liked him. He was a very rare and marvelous person with an boundless intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with his time, with his knowledge, and his wit. “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” (Steinbeck) Safe travels, friend.
Rest In Peace, Sir. Juan and I both respected and genuinely liked him. He was a very rare and marvelous person with an boundless intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with his time, with his knowledge, and his wit. “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” (Steinbeck) Safe travels, friend.
Rest In Peace, Sir. Juan and I both respected and genuinely liked him. He was a very rare and marvelous person with a boundless intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with his time, with his knowledge, and his wit. “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” (Steinbeck) Safe travels, friend.
Rest In Peace, Sir. Juan and I both respected and genuinely liked him. He was a very rare and marvelous person with a boundless intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with his time, with his knowledge, and his wit. “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” (Steinbeck) Safe travels, friend.
John is a great loss for me and Susan.
He operated on my mother when she had her aneurysmal bleed. She lived 17 years more because of him.
He and and I worked as sequential medical staff presidents together we wrote the current medical staff bylaws protecting the medical staff during a time of transition.
John was a man of integrity who had your back. He was a great clinician, administrator, and person. I cannot think of anyone who did not respect and like him.
Our hearts are with his family.
We have lost a great man, a great person.
John is a great loss for me and Susan.
He operated on my mother when she had her aneurysmal bleed. She lived 17 years more because of him.
He and and I worked as sequential medical staff presidents together we wrote the current medical staff bylaws protecting the medical staff during a time of transition.
John was a man of integrity who had your back. He was a great clinician, administrator, and person. I cannot think of anyone who did not respect and like him.
Our hearts are with his family.
We have lost a great man, a great person.
Dr. Krettic operated on me twice. Both were very successful. I’m so sorry to read his obituary & pray for his family. Sincerely, Rob Weindel.
Dr. Krettic operated on me twice. Both were very successful. I’m so sorry to read his obituary & pray for his family. Sincerely, Rob Weindel.
What an amazing man! I was lucky to know and work with Dr. Krettek during my tenure at MBMC and then again at BJC corporate. My sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to your family and friends! Dr. K will be missed but never forgotten!
What an amazing man! I was lucky to know and work with Dr. Krettek during my tenure at MBMC and then again at BJC corporate. My sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to your family and friends! Dr. K will be missed but never forgotten!
Such a kind and amazing person, physician, surgeon and CMO. He was always there to help everyone and anyone who needed him. I have always had the deepest respect for him. He was always so very caring and genuine. He will be missed by many.
Such a kind and amazing person, physician, surgeon and CMO. He was always there to help everyone and anyone who needed him. I have always had the deepest respect for him. He was always so very caring and genuine. He will be missed by many.
Dr. Krettek was someone who I respected as a Surgeon, colleague, and friend. Over my time with BJC we worked together on multiple projects and tasks. Dr. Krettick treated me as a valued colleague and always made time for us to discuss fishing. One time when discussing sail-fishing he said “Gator, I love watching them fly through the air” just the smile and passion on his face as he talked about it left no doubt, he loved fishing. I hope there is a large body of salt water in heaven as they just got a great fisherman. RIP, John you will be sorely missed.
Tim & Terri Ann
Dr. Krettek was someone who I respected as a Surgeon, colleague, and friend. Over my time with BJC we worked together on multiple projects and tasks. Dr. Krettick treated me as a valued colleague and always made time for us to discuss fishing. One time when discussing sail-fishing he said “Gator, I love watching them fly through the air” just the smile and passion on his face as he talked about it left no doubt, he loved fishing. I hope there is a large body of salt water in heaven as they just got a great fisherman. RIP, John you will be sorely missed.
Tim & Terri Ann
I am just learning this morning of Dr. Krettek’s passing. I am so sad that this world lost him too soon. I had the honor of working for him at Missouri Baptist. He was an amazing person. Not only was he great to work with but he was such a caring person. There are so many times he did just wonderful things that were totally unexpected like giving me something he thought my young son would like or when he heard of a problem I was having with a groundhog showing up in my office the next day with a trap and instructions. He was constantly thinking of others. Prayers for his family.
I am just learning this morning of Dr. Krettek’s passing. I am so sad that this world lost him too soon. I had the honor of working for him at Missouri Baptist. He was an amazing person. Not only was he great to work with but he was such a caring person. There are so many times he did just wonderful things that were totally unexpected like giving me something he thought my young son would like or when he heard of a problem I was having with a groundhog showing up in my office the next day with a trap and instructions. He was constantly thinking of others. Prayers for his family.
I was just looking this wonderful man
Dr. Krettek up on google as I think of him & speak of him OFTEN! He did my FIRST neck surgery at St Luke’s 24 years ago. I am heartbroken as I will never forget him. I was referred to him from a Dr. Rieth In Rolla, when he referred me he said he is the best, trust me, Still I was so terrified but after my consultation with him I couldn’t believe all my fear was gone. He was brilliant! My heart goes out to him family members, God Bless you All!
I was just looking this wonderful man
Dr. Krettek up on google as I think of him & speak of him OFTEN! He did my FIRST neck surgery at St Luke’s 24 years ago. I am heartbroken as I will never forget him. I was referred to him from a Dr. Rieth In Rolla, when he referred me he said he is the best, trust me, Still I was so terrified but after my consultation with him I couldn’t believe all my fear was gone. He was brilliant! My heart goes out to him family members, God Bless you All!
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr K’s passing. I worked for him at BJC and loved every second of it. He was the most wonderful person to work for. I remember folks stopping by the office constantly from other locations to say “hi” to him and that they missed his smiling face. One thing they would always comment on to me was his memory… he would greet every person by their first name no matter where they worked or how long it had been since he saw them. He was gentle, kind, considerate and so very intelligent. I feel privileged to have worked with him and thank God for the memories. God bless all his family. Enjoy all your memories. Peace…
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr K’s passing. I worked for him at BJC and loved every second of it. He was the most wonderful person to work for. I remember folks stopping by the office constantly from other locations to say “hi” to him and that they missed his smiling face. One thing they would always comment on to me was his memory… he would greet every person by their first name no matter where they worked or how long it had been since he saw them. He was gentle, kind, considerate and so very intelligent. I feel privileged to have worked with him and thank God for the memories. God bless all his family. Enjoy all your memories. Peace…