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James F. Kress

1929 - 2019

James F. Kress obituary, 1929-2019, De Pere, WI

BORN

1929

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere

305 N. Tenth Street

De Pere, Wisconsin

James Kress Obituary

James F. Kress

De Pere - James F. Kress, De Pere, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, May 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was one month shy of his 90th birthday. The son of the late George and Marguerite (Christensen) Kress was born on June 11, 1929.

Jim was the oldest of three siblings, and graduated from Green Bay East High School. He went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business and graduated in 1951. He was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity and the crew team, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma.

After graduation, Jim went to Officer Training School and served in the Navy during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He returned to Green Bay and continued his career at Green Bay Packaging. Jim liked to joke he worked there since birth, when Marguerite would set his bassinette in a desk drawer.

In 1958, Jim assumed leadership of operations for Green Bay Packaging. He became President and Director in 1963, taking over the company founded by his father. He then became Chairman in 1995, and continued in that role until his death. He was proud that he never retired.

During his career, Jim was recognized with many awards, including the Rotary Club Free Enterprise Award, which his father George and son Will were honored with as well. Jim served on the board of the American Paper Institute and was inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jim served on many boards throughout his career, including Green Bay Packaging, M&I Bank, KI, Green Bay Packers, Shade Information Systems, Shopko, H.C. Prange and Bellin Hospital. He also served on the boards for the George F. Kress Foundation, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the American Foundation of Counseling Services, the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Lakeland College and St. Norbert College Board of Trustees. In addition, Doctor of Law Degrees were awarded to Jim and his wife Julie-Anne on May 17, 2009 by St. Norbert College. Jim also leant a helping hand to many other organizations throughout the community.





Jim was known for his sense of humor, quick wit and wisdom. He enjoyed sailing in Door County, skiing in Sun Valley, golfing at Oneida, Wednesday night tennis and spending time at the Downtown YMCA. He loved summers in Egg Harbor and winters in Sailfish Point, Florida.

Jim could be frequently found at Kroll's for lunch, The Rite Place for Taco Tuesday, dinner at Mackinaws or The Union Hotel, enjoying a Rum Runner, or sneaking Seroogy's dark chocolates before bed.

Throughout his battle with Parkinson's, Jim showed great courage and strength. He kept a positive attitude and regularly encouraged others who struggled with the disease.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie-Anne; his children, Will, John, Meg (Barry Grunwald) and Virginia; grandchildren, Jack and George, Francesca and Ayla, Wesley (Abbey) and Elizabeth, Lucas, Charlie and Amber (Casey). He is further survived by his step-children, Michael, Allain, Jennifer, Mary and Susan; step-grandchildren, Nicolas, Julianna, Chris, Angeli, Ben, Ellie, Tom, Joey, Emily, Jared and Elise and ten step-great grandchildren.

He is further survived by his siblings, Marilyn Swanson and Don (Carol) Kress, and other members of his extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marguerite; the mother of his children, Irene "Billie" Kress; brother-in-law, Bill Swanson; son-in-law Fred Casper; and other extended family members and dear friends.

Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Oneida Country Club, 207 Country Club Road, Green Bay. A short prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:30 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at First United Church of Christ, 509 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay. Full Military Honors will follow the Funeral Service. Entombment will take place at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Unity Hospice or any of the wonderful charities Jim held dear. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jim's amazing caregivers, Shelly Gillis, Mike Funk, Doug McElrone, Andrew Breuer and Nate Hall, as well as his wonderful staff at Green Bay Packaging. They would also like to thank Unity Hospice, Treasure Coast Hospice in Florida and the many doctors, nurses, therapists, trainers and caregivers who helped Jim throughout the years.

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

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from May 14 to May 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kress

Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere.

Not sure what to say?





May 29, 2019

My deepest sympathy to thee Kress Family. So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.

Diane Ives
Stuart, FL.

May 23, 2019

Dear Megan and Barry

Here's hoping you're able to find comfort in happy memories. Please know our sorrow for your loss.may special things about your dad live on in your heart forever.our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda and craig Galloway

Barbara Sievert

May 23, 2019

Will, John, Meg, and Virginia,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your wonderful, witty, and example setting father.
He continues to make me so proud to have been a Green Bay Packaging employee.
Hugs of Sympathy, Peace

Phil Passamoni

May 21, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Plese know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jack Johnson

May 20, 2019

I was a crew member on the Aria from 1964 to 66. The captain and Gommer always treated us as family. Day sails with Jim and his family were always fun. Wonderful people and a wonderful family. RIP.

Karen Grunwald (Punk)

May 19, 2019

Meg, please know that you are very much in my thoughts and heart/prayers at this time of sorrow. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.

Carl Fiala

May 19, 2019

Virginia: Sorry to hear of your loss. Carl and Betty Fiala

Carrie Collins

May 17, 2019

To The Kress family. May your hearts be full even in times of sorrow. Cherish the memories and you will carry on, as we are supposed to do. Be Blessed, Always.
Love to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love the Collins Family. Tim & Carrie & Trenton

Sheila LeDocq

May 16, 2019

Gin...I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Father. Prayers and love to you and your family! xo

CLARK GILLER

May 15, 2019

Will, Don and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when I first came to G B Packaging in 1965 and your Dad and grandfather welcomed me into the company. I have many memories of my years with Jim and you, while working there, and at the retires dinners every year. You have my sincerest condolences. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

CLARK GILLER

May 15, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Morning Stars Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Janson Mancheski

May 15, 2019

Very sad to hear of Jim's passing. He's one of Green Bay's greatest influencers of all time. My prayers to Will and Ginny, Don and Andreas, and the rest of the family.

Liz Thomson (Beilke)

May 14, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a nice man. Your family was friends with our family for a long time. It was amazing that he came to see my Dad at the house and to the funeral. My Mom for sure appreciated. My prayers are with you.

2 brothers & Sister at Christmas Time

Don Kress

May 14, 2019

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Laurie Weyenberg

May 14, 2019

So sorry to hear of your loss. May you have many great memories to carry you as you go through this difficult time.

Pete and Barb Fiala

May 14, 2019

MegSorry to hear about the loss of your father. Praying for peace and comfort for the whole family Pete and Barb Fiala. (May Schaut's parents)

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for James Kress

May

23

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Oneida Country Club

207 Country Club Road, Green Bay, WI

May

23

Prayer Service

7:30 p.m.

Oneida Country Club

207 Country Club Road, Green Bay, WI

May

24

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

First United Church of Christ

509 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere

305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115

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