General Information
Full Name: Jason William Gretz
Date of Birth: March 6, 1988
Date of Death: September 15, 2012
Jason’s Life Story
Jason William Gretz
Born on Sunday, March 6, 1988 in Minneapolis, MN, Jason William was the son to parents Troy and Heidi Gretz. The youngest of three children, Jason’s childhood years were spent growing up in Prior Lake, MN. As a young boy, he enjoyed being outdoors playing soccer, baseball and fishing at the bay by his house. A true love for the water, Jason spent many hours swimming, skiing and knee boarding with his family. Each summer, he and his brothers would spend a few weeks at their grandparent’s home on Lake Vermilion. Jason also enjoyed riding his bicycle and motorcycles.
As young as two, Jason looked up to his brothers, especially when it came to video games. The boys would spend hours playing and mastering the games, such as Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong, Battle Field, Halo and many others along the way. Jason became a very accomplished gamer. A talented Hacky Sack player, he mastered the art of catching the ball on the tip of his toe and also stalling it on his hat. Standing in a circle, Jason loved to be with his brothers and friends playing the game, learning new tricks and just being in each other’s company. His time with his friends was so important to him.
About the age of 10, Jason became interested in music. First playing around on a keyboard, he later turned to acoustic and electric guitars. Jason played mainly individually, but always enjoyed playing with his brother Jacob or other close friends. Music became a passion in his life. As a young adult, Jason’s second passion was photography. A very unique perspective on photography, he enjoyed capturing pictures of everyday things a person would not normally notice, especially when it came to interesting uses of lighting. Jason loved to freeze and capture life’s special moments.
A boy’s best friend is their dog. This was so true to Jason. He had a special relationship with each lab the family had as he grew up, Kirby, Buddy and Ellie Mae. In later years, Jason took to the skies, exploring aviation, recently becoming interested in flying helicopters. Jason loved the unique perspective of being in the air.
A great sense of humor, Jason loved quoting from movies and comedians. His wacky side always lit up a room with laughter. His thoughts were sometimes complex and Jason was very perceptive of the world around him. Focused on life, Jason knew what he wanted for himself, his family and friends; to be happy and follow your heart as a free spirit.
On Saturday, September 15, 2012, Jason passed unexpectedly and was greeted by the angels at the young age of 24. He will be greatly missed for his funny personality, creative thinking, intelligent conversations and his adventurous side. Jason was foremost a son and a brother, who was caring and nurturing, happy and touched many lives along the way.
Deeply missed and forever loved, Jason is survived by his parents, Troy and Heidi Gretz; brothers, Josh and Jacob; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many devoted friends who meant so much to him.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, September 21 at 6 p.m., with a gathering two hours prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Celebrant Jean Breeggemann will officiate.
The Gretz family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel.
Gathering of Friends and Family
When: Friday, September 21, 2012, 4-6 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant St. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Service Information
When: Friday, September 21, 2012, 6:00 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasnt St. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
