"Dear Marilyn, I was very sorry to learn of the death of Dennis. Although we did not communicate with one another, I have very fond memories of our antics and fun we had especially in grades 6-8. This past summer we had our 50th class reunion and was reunited with many of my former classmates from St. John's. Dennis's name and thoughts of him were frequently mentioned as we reminisced about the past and were updated on the present. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, John Mees "
In loving memory of
Dennis M Gresser
May 12, 1947 - July 16, 2017
Dennis M Gresser, of Deerbrook, died Sunday, July 16, 2017 at home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 70 years old. He was born on May 12, 1947 in South Milwaukee, a son of Everest and Lorraine (Vollmer) Gresser. He married Marilyn Dolar on July 3, 1971 at Zion Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee. She survives.
He was a graduate of South Milwaukee High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1967. Dennis received training at West Point Academy before serving in Viet Nam with the military police. He was discharged in 1969.
Following military service he returned to South Milwaukee where he joined Painters Local Union 781. He worked as a painter for building trades in the Milwaukee area. For five years he worked as a painter for the Milwaukee County Parks Department.
He moved to Deerbrook in 2002.
Dennis enjoyed woodworking. He made cabinets, furniture and intarsia artwork for family and friends.
He was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho; St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Deerbrook; and a former member of the Hyland Lakes Lions club.
Survivors including his wife are a son, Dwayne Gresser and fiancee Stacy Groat, Summit Lake; a daughter, Diana Gresser and Gregory, Cudahy; five grandchildren Hannah, Isabella, Haden, Sienna and Ian; a brother Marvin (Paulette) Gresser, Oak Creek; a sister Janice (Michael) Hender, San Diego, California; a sister-in-law Mary Jane Gresser; also survived by his wife's family Joan (William) Rowe, Jimmy and Raymond Dolar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Everest and Richard Gresser; a sister-in-law Nancy Haefner.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 22, 2017 at 4 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Jerome Hahn officiating. Elcho Veterans will conduct military honors following services at the funeral home.
Visitation will be Saturday from 3 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Dear Marilyn, I was very sorry to learn of the death of Dennis. Although we did not communicate with one another, I have very fond memories of our antics and fun we had especially in grades 6-8. This past summer we had our 50th class reunion and was reunited with many of my former classmates from St. John's. Dennis's name and thoughts of him were frequently mentioned as we reminisced about the past and were updated on the present. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, John Mees "
"So sorry to hear that Dennis has past. We were such good friends with many good memories when our kids were little. Always here for each other. Again so sorry. "
"Marilyn, We are so sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. There was never any doubt how much you two loved each other. It was inspiring. Much love to you and the family. Kandyce and Jon Mosher"