Donald L. Cress

Kenosha – Donald Lee Cress, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 3, 2009 following a valiant six-year battle with cancer. A lifetime resident, Don was born in Kenosha on April 8, 1930 to the late Newton Monroe and Cleo Estelle (nee: Fleming) Cress. Following high school, he enlisted with the United States Navy – serving nine years as an electronics technician. Soon after, he continued employment with the US Navy at Fort Sheridan before transferring to the Great Lakes Naval Electronics Supply Office, from where he retired in 1973. With an extensive electrical background, Don then went on to work for AMC / Chrysler, fully retiring in 1989. On November 26, 1958 in Kenosha, Don was united in marriage to the “best wife in the world” (in his words) Carol Ann Collins. As an outdoors enthusiast, he was a member of the Kenosha Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed fishing for Brook Trout, going to Blue Grass concerts and travelling with Carol to the Southern states and Northern Wisconsin. He had a special gift for growing beautiful roses and caring for his fruit trees. Don loved nothing more than singing old-time music for his family and friends. Don’s magical voice was enjoyed by all who loved him. Surviving are his loving wife of over 51 years, Carol, of Kenosha; their children, Kelly (Larry) Thompson of Racine, Jill (Curtiss) Vergenz of Kenosha, and Kevin (Kelly) Cress of Union Grove; grandchildren, Steven (Kristin), David, Katrina and Daniel Gasparin; several step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Chance and Samara; sisters, Lucille Savage and Dorothy (Albert) Kohanowich; brother, William Cress; brothers-in-law, James (Joyce) and John (Gayle) Collins; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jodi Rae Cress, who died of leukemia at age 5; brothers, Melvin (Irene) and Marshall (Janette) Cress; sister, Betty (John) Lough; brother-in-law, Wendell Savage; and sister-in-law, Claire Cress. Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 6:00 pm. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 4-6 pm. In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation will follow the services and private interment will take place. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Neil Shepler and staff; everyone from Hospice Alliance; the nursing staff of St. Catherine’s ICU; and Eileen Thompson, for allowing Don to brighten your lives .