Cameron Dean Kretschman

COLUMBUS-Cameron Dean Kretschman, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 22, 1999, the son of Daniel Kretschman and Dawn (Furuseth) Kretschman. Cameron was born with two strikes against him. He was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at two months old, lost his left eye at six months old and spent three years fighting his cancer battle before remission. Life was a daily struggle, but Cameron made it look easy. Cameron attended Columbus Elementary School, Deforest Middle School and Deforest High School. He spent a great share of his spare time at the family farm as a heavy machinery demolition enthusiast, and was an excellent archer. When he was young, he ran through the woods with a wild imagination, and was a very selective thrill seeker. Cameron was pretty convinced that there are real dragons and he could argue until you questioned it yourself. In October 2014, he was diagnosed with radiation-induced spindle cell sarcoma of the temporal lobe of the brain and jaw. This was a side effect of the treatment that he received as a baby. After months of chemo, both systemic and oral, it was determined we had very limited time left with Cameron. He faced these months bravely, and determined to figure out a way to keep going. Through the support of family and friends, he was able to travel with his family on a specially tailored vacation. Cameron hiked Devils Tower in Wyoming, Badlands of South Dakota and traveled to Tampa Bay for his first swim in the ocean. Although in pain and exhausted, he managed to find the courage to put on a happy face. Cameron is survived by his mother, Dawn (Furuseth) Kretschman; father, Daniel Kretschman; brother, Alec Kretschman; grandparents, Carl and Julie Kretschman, Dana and Corie Furuseth, and Rodney and Faith Freymiller; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. In honor of Cameron's wishes, private services were held. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.