by David Richmond, Program Manager Lighting Products & Systems, NEMA

The recent death of engineer Robert J. Kretschmann, 70, is a great loss to the NEMA industrial automation and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) industrial-process measurement and control communities.

Mr. Kretschmann worked as an Electrical Engineer for Rockwell Automation for 37 years and held more than 75 patents. He participated in the NEMA Industrial Automation Control Products and Systems Section for more than 25 years, including serving as chair of the Programmable Logic Controller Subcommittee for many years. Additionally, he participated in many US National Committee Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to the IEC, including serving as chair of the US TAG to IEC SC 65B for Measurement and Control Devices.

Mr. Kretschmann is survived by his wife, Katherine Kretschmann, daughter Christy, and son Hans.