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Warren Kress

1945 - 2015

Warren Kress obituary, 1945-2015, Chelsea, MI

BORN

1945

DIED

2015

Warren Kress Obituary

Kress, Warren 11/4/1945 - 4/13/2015 Chelsea, MI Warren I. Kress of Chelsea, MI, age 69, also known as Nearly Normal Warren, passed away on Monday, April 13th, ending his 3-year struggle with cancer. Warren was born in Covington, KY, where he explored the woods and streams as a young boy. After his family relocated to Coral Gables, FL, he grew up enjoying the bounty of the tropical landscape. These early experiences contributed to his life-long love of nature and camping in out of the way places. During his IT career, Warren developed many longstanding friendships with his co-workers at Volkswagen of America, Borders Group, Entyre and Wolters Kluwer. As Nearly Normal Warren, he spent many years as a DJ for A3Radio.com, which allowed him to pursue his love of music while helping local musicians further their careers. He's also well known by his wife's artist community, where he often contributed time and energy. Warren was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Kress and mother, Jessie Ware Kress. He is survived by his sister, Natalie (Bunny) Hutchinson and her husband, Fred, his sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Gardiner and her husband, Charles (Barney), and several nieces and nephews, all living in Florida. He's also survived by his wife, Teresa Freed Kress of Chelsea, his children, Tracie Kress, Dawn Kress, Arthur Kress and Jeremiah Brown, their mother, Suzanne Heath, and 7 grandchildren, all living in the Detroit area, as well as his beloved dog Lucy. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details can be found at WarrenKress.com. Donations are encouraged to http://www.TrinityHouseTheatre.org/donate/ Warren is known for always wearing a feather in his cap. When people comment about it he shares his heartwarming story about paying homage to Motherhood, which can be found on his website. Warren's parting words to those who care about him would likely be: "Do good, my friends, and cast it to the wind."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Apr. 16 to Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Warren Kress

Not sure what to say?





Mickey Richard

April 10, 2025

I still miss you, Nearly. We had great times together at A3 Radio! Also, can we get some more tuba in the monitor?

Craig Carrick

June 29, 2015

Nearly Normal - you're a part of us forever. The second weekend in June will always be a special time when we recall a guy that loved great music and introduced us to so much...indeed, I'm guessing you'll finally get a little more tuba in the monitor.....much love brother.

Larry Ahlborn

June 6, 2015

Will miss you at Noreastr. Will have this hat on your mic.

Teri Saunders

April 30, 2015

I loved Nearly because he was always cheerful, positive, and easy going. He was nice to be around. But mostly I want to remember how he seemed to be unfailingly kind. If we could all be as kind as he was the world would be a better place.

At A3Radio

Teri Saunders

April 30, 2015

Nearly Normal Warren at the 2009 Nor-East'r Festival

Mickey Richard

April 29, 2015

Ah, Warren...random memories...

We had so much fun together at A3Radio.com. Working with you behind the scenes on Folk It! while Tom handled the talent ;). Live streaming the 2009 Nor-East'r Festival, where we heard the best line ever to be uttered from a stage, "Can I get a little more tuba in the monitor, please?"

Clowning around at the studio...dirty martinis...annoying equipment hums...First Fridays!...JMB...you taught me the A3 ropes, stick a feather in your cap!

Kip Godwin

April 28, 2015

Other than my immediate family, Warren was the first person I spoke to when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was always there for me with kind advice, encouragement, and deep wisdom when I needed it most. The last time we saw each other we said very little but shared deep feelings; words weren't necessary. A gentle touch is how I'll always remember Nearly.

Peace Brother. See you on the other side.

drew nelson

April 27, 2015

the pleasure was all mine my friend.

Anne Hazen

April 27, 2015

Warren was a great co-worker with a great sense a humor! We will miss you Warren.

April 25, 2015

To the family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Warren was a member of my tribe - witty, kind and creative, so hard to have him gone from us. I have so many memories of Wik when we were in our twenties, farmsteading and believing we were revolutionaries. Go safely, dear friend. So sorry I cannot attend gathering for him.
Karen Van Dale

Rob Cole

April 23, 2015

I am so grateful I had the chance to know you, to work with you, to laugh with you in those times up in the old studio and elsewhere. You will be missed, Nearly. God speed to you friend...

Kevin Leach

April 23, 2015

So happy the day I clicked the volunteer link on a3radio.com. Meeting Warren, Griff and Tom was awesome. A throw back yes, but also so involved in the here and now. "The guy with the feather knows PHP?" Yes he does! And knew how to laugh and make you feel comfortable and talk music. Thanks Warren. Rest in rock brother.

Nancy Rygwelski

April 23, 2015

Tracie, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I hope your memories give you comfort in this sad time.

Sujisha Pillai

April 22, 2015

Warren was a great co-worker with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed.

Toni Stevenson

April 22, 2015

During those hot Chelsea Painter Art Fair days I remember Warren playing his DJ music in the background, which lent a wonderful ambiance to the Art Fair, while he delivered cold water to all the artists to give to our patrons.

Barbara MacKellar

April 22, 2015

Will always remember all he gave to our
group over the years. Will keep you in
my thoughts.

Barb Gilbert

April 22, 2015

So sorry that I cannot be at Warren's memorial with the other CPs. Will be thinking of you , Teresa.

Russ & Sue Hall

April 22, 2015

Russ and I were neighbors and friends with Warren & Suzi when they lived on Schafer in Detroit in the late 60's. We would love to hear more about Warren and his life and reconnect with Suzi if possible. We are so sorry to hear about his passing.

Amy Grettum

April 20, 2015

I miss you Nearly, gentle travels. I feel I should say more, but I can't find the words.

April 20, 2015

April 20, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

Tom Saunders

April 19, 2015

David Moore

April 19, 2015

I will always love & miss Warren. He was my producer for these last ten years at www.a3radio.com for my show Just Below The Surface. More importantly, he's been a very close & loyal friends to myself, my son Donovan and my late wife Penny. As recently as last August, Penny , Warren & myself had a very nice visit at my house. It's hard to realize that they're both gone. At least, Warren & I went to see Leon Russell together last October. It was a bucket list show for him and I'm glad we went together.

Edith Maynard

April 19, 2015

Always appreciated and loved Warren's strong independent thinking and his sense of humor. He had a generous spirit and such a kind way with people.

Teri Saunders

April 17, 2015

Somehow I never heard the story about why Warren always wore a feather in his cap. I was just one of the many who saved pretty feathers for him. One detail of all he meant to us.

Music and friends made the whole thing work. Nearly was the soul of our show and we had great times on the air and at festivals. "More tuba......

Tom Saunders

April 17, 2015

Sue Emery

April 17, 2015

Warren was a fantastic person and an integral member of our team. He will be missed!

Bob Thomas

April 16, 2015

Warren was a great guy and manager at Volkswagen. He always was very upbeat with a great sense of humor.

I remember an after work activity that he and Bill Bell had for some time trying to out do each other with pranks. One would paper wall-to-wall 8 x 10 pictures of cockroaches in the others office . Then the other would set up a paper mache cockroach that covered the entire top of the other person's desk.

Warren will be missed by many of us from Volkswagen. Rest in peace. With deepest sympathy to the family members.

At Tanya and Jessie's wedding. You wore your best feather in your cap that day!!

John and Devetta Keller

April 16, 2015

We will forever keep you in our memories Warren. RIP Brother. Prayers go out to your family and friends as we morn your departure.

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