Obituary of Gretchen Saker

Gretchen Marie Ernst Saker, 87, of Howell, NJ passed away, November 19, 2019, with her family by her side. Gretchen Saker, “Gretch” or “Snitch”, as she was fondly called by long-time friends, was born August 19, 1932, in Batavia, New York. Gretchen graduated from Oakfield High school in 1950 and received a teaching degree from Oswego State College in 1954. She was married to Raymond John Saker in 1956, and was mother of three children, Kyle and wife Barbara (Patterson) Saker of Howell, NJ, Korinn Saker and wife Joan Kalnitsky of Hillsborough, NC, and Kara Saker of Colchester, VT. Gretchen had one grandchild, Raymond Saker of Howell, NJ. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Gretchen was predeceased by her husband in 1971; by both parents, Edward and Edna Ernst; her brother Dean Ernst, and sister Norma Merkel (Ernst).

Gretchen taught kindergarten in Freehold Township for 35 years and enjoyed 15 years in the real estate field. Gretchen spent 16 of her retirement years in Ocala, Fla where she was an avid golfer and community ambassador and enjoyed travelling with friends. She loved spending time at her house on Lake Champlain in the Adirondack region of New York State. She most loved her family and her teddy bears.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorial contributions may be made in Gretchen’s name to support the ongoing research of the ALS Association to The ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC  20005. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com