Edward Greteman

Edward Greteman, 81, of Billings, MT, went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2017 Ed was born in Carroll, IA, on July 6, 1936, the fourth child of John and Eleanora Greteman. As a boy he loved playing baseball, a love he passed on to his sons by coaching Little League. He worked all the way through high school at the Greteman General store in Willey, IA which sold everything from groceries to furniture to large farm equipment. He then attended Creighton University in Omaha where he met his future wife Elizabeth Volkmer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then joined the Army which promptly shipped him to Korea. He literally left his “Heart in San Francisco”, as his future bride Elizabeth met him there to say good-bye. He flew back on Christmas Day 1959 and soon afterwards married that cute little med-tech. He soon was employed as a CPA by a large firm that had him traveling around Nebraska frequently. During this time four children joined the household. In 1967 his employer, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell accounting firm transferred him to the wilds of Montana. He was active in the Montana Society of CPA's. Serving as chairman of the Federal Taxation Committee and Director of the Montana Society. He started his own accounting firm and then transitioned into a successful private career in oil and gas. In 1970 another child was born. He loved his five children very much. He loved the outdoors and frequently took his family on camping trips, taught them how to catch trout, play golf and how to play cards with the family. He also passed on his strong Catholic faith where he taught them the importance of honesty and integrity by example. When grandchildren came around they adored a Grandpa Ed, especially the Tic-Tacs or the comb in his pocket! Other favorites included: picking corn and tomatoes from his amazing garden, making ice cream, doing puzzles and playing miniature golf. After Ed and Liz retired they traveled mostly to be with family, but they also took cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and his favorite through the Panama Canal. They spent some winter months in Palm Desert to relish nice weather and a few rounds of golf for many years. He always supported the Catholic Church and schools through faithful stewardship and was extremely active in the Knights of Columbus at St Thomas as Chief Financial Officer for the last 15 years until his last days despite struggling with health issues. Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz (Volkmer) and four children and their spouses and 12 grandchildren: Jeff and Kim (Becky, Kari and Daniel), Kevin and Pam (Christina, Melissa, and Andrew), Amy and Brian Schuett (Ashley, Sabrina, Sage and Nina) and Julie and John Opitz (Luke and Jackie). And one great-granddaughter, Elly. He is also survived by a brother Martin and a sister Lucille Tobin. His parents, brother, Arthur, and his first born son, Philip, preceded him to heaven. Funeral arrangements are by Dahl Funeral Chapel. The vigil is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15th at Dahl Funeral Chapel with Celebration of Life Mass on Friday, June 16th of June at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Colton and Woody Drive. Memorials may be made to the Billings Catholic Schools, St. Vincent DePaul Society or the charity of your choice.