Herman Kretzer; Attorney

Herman Kretzer, a Universal Studios attorney for 45 years, has died at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 83.

A longtime North Hollywood resident, Kretzer died Monday of a heart attack, said his wife, Eleanor Kretzer.

Born in Los Angeles, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles and was the school’s first student body president. He completed his undergraduate work at UCLA, graduated from USC Law School and became a social worker. During World War II, he was a decorated first lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s criminal investigation department. After he was discharged, Kretzer went to work as an attorney for Universal. He retired in the early 1980s and worked as a legal consultant to the entertainment company until the time of his death.

Kretzer was a longtime member and past board member of Temple Beth Hillel in North Hollywood.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Kretzer is survived by his son, Dr. Frank Kretzer of Houston, Tex.; daughter Carol Levy of Encino; and four grandchildren.

A funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. Glasband-Willen Mortuary in North Hollywood is handling arrangements.