Scott R. Kress

Scott Richard Kress passed away peacefully at his home in Deshler, Ohio, on Dec. 4, 2025.

He was born in Findlay, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1952, to Jack and Mary Louise (Watkins) Kress. A 1970 graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Scott continued his education at Ohio Northern University, graduating in 1974 with a BA in History and Secondary Education.

With an underlying interest in Law Enforcement, he chose to pursue a career with the Henry County Sheriff's Department and graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in May 1975. With further training in Firearms Instruction and Underwater Rescue, Scott worked as a Deputy within the Sheriff's Department for several years.

He then moved to the Henry County Probation Department as a juvenile and adult probation officer, eventually being appointed to Chief Probation Officer.

Scott and Patricia (Rohrs) Kress were married July 22, 1988, and relocated to Tarpon Springs, Florida. Here he worked in management with Robertson Display for 17 years. He also fulfilled a passion of becoming a certified SCUBA instructor and owned a dive shop.

Eventually, Scott and Pat decided to return to Ohio to be closer to their blended family. Tragically, he lost Pat in an auto accident in December 2005. Upon retirement, Scott returned to Deshler, where he lived in his family home until his death.

Scott was a gun enthusiast and a lifetime member of the NRA. He collected many types of firearms and enjoyed going to shooting ranges to sharpen his skills. He was a member of the Maumee Valley Sportsman's Club, and he particularly liked sharing time there with his nephews.

At home he enjoyed time in his woodworking shop and created and built many items from small toys and home decor, to furniture.

Devoted to his family, Scott was ever present with and proud of his daughters, their husbands and his grandchildren. He'll be remembered as a witty, sometimes strong-willed, and "always ready with a comeback" dad and grandpa.

Scott will be always loved and forever missed by his daughters, Sarah (Ryan) Fortner and Jennifer (Daniel) Strause. Also his sister, Sandra (Norbert) Behrman; and mother-in-law, Velma (Baker) Rohrs. A special heart for grandpa is shared by his grandchildren, Marcia, Jackson, Levi, Noah, and Addilyn Fortner; and Cameron, Kate, and Carter Strause. He nurtured a special close connection with his nieces, Dawn Behrman, Heather [recently deceased] (Joshua) Johnson, Melanie (Charles) Scherdt and grand nieces; and nephews, Samantha (Lucas) Whitman, Katie and Levi Johnson; and Brady, Brian, and Brooke Scherdt. Also surviving are three stepchildren, Charity (James) Duncan, Jeremy (Stephanie) Shoemaker, and Shiloh (Breanna) Shoemaker, as well as all of their children and grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Pat, Scott was preceded in death by his infant brother, Edward, and father-in-law, Norman Rohrs.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, Pastor James Erven will officiate. Burial will follow in Grelton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

The family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor's choice.

Messages and memories can be left at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.