Eugene Kresse

The long rich life of Eugene Kresse came to an end on January 10, 2013. His wife Dorris was at his side, as she has been for over 66 years. He left surrounded in the love of 11 children, t23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Eugene Martin Kresse was born on January 15, 1922 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, one of identical twins. He and his twin brother Joseph walked across the railroad bridge to Little Rock to attend Catholic High School. It was there at Homecoming that he was football captain to Dorris Gerke's Homecoming Queen. After serving in the Navy and Coast Guard during World War II, Gene came home to marry his Homecoming Queen. The first job was at Wrape Stave Company. During that time, Gene attended night school to become an accountant. Several years and several children later, he went to work in accounting at Visking Corporation, which Chicopee Manufacturing later acquired. During every vacation, he taught his sons the art of the handy man, as he repaired the plumbing and electrical in the home, and removed and added walls to accommodate his growing family. Gene made sure every one of his children went to Catholic High School and St. Mary's Academy. His six daughters and five sons enjoyed a love of learning. This came from their parent's example, and Gene especially loved literature and the humanities. Books spilled out of every corner of the house. His children grew up hearing his beloved opera and classical music, interjected between their own records. Gene's emphasis on education always went with a love of the Catholic religion. His faith was in every aspect of his life, maintained with a sense of personal connection and quiet intensity. Throughout his lifetime, he and Dorris were active and supportive members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Karen Kresse, wife of Bob Stroud, his parents, Herman and Emma Kresse, three brothers, Herman Kresse, Lawrence Kresse, and Joseph Kresse, and four sisters, Theresa Kresse Brucker, Monica Kresse Climer, Emma Kresse Mayes and Leona Kresse Ritchie. Gene is survived by his wife Dorris, their ten children: Tom (Sandy) Kresse, Kathy Kresse, Christy (Jim) Leach, Tim Kresse, Greg (Julie) Kresse, Cynthia Kresse, Sharon (Bevan Alvey) Kresse, Lisa (Paul) Patterson, Kevin (Bridget) Kresse, John Kresse, and his brother Andrew Kresse. He is also survived by his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who say of their Poppa "the single greatest gift to enjoy over the years, has been watching you interact with Grandma and your children. It is the epitome of love and a blueprint on how to do things right." Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m., Sunday followed by a rosary at 6p.m. at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com. Memorials may be made to St Patrick's Church in lieu of flowers. The family of Eugene Kresse would like express appreciation to all those who assisted in his care in heart, in prayers, and in presence.