"Dear Todd and Gress Family. You have my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Fondly, Laura (McKenna) Ellis"
In loving memory of
Robert Gress
September 16, 1939 - June 20, 2019
Robert Gress, of Polar, died Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Rosalia Gardens under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. He was 79 years old. He was born on September 16, 1939, in Polar, a son of Willard and Mary (Golbach) Gress. He married Janice Jagla on September 26, 1959, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Langlade. She preceded him in death on June 24, 2014.
He was a graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1957.
Bob and his wife owned and operated family businesses that included a trout hatchery, Christmas tree and ginseng farms.
He was a member and president of the United States Trout Farmers Association, member and officer of the Wisconsin Trout Farmers Association, member of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662, Antigo.
He served on the Polar town board, St. James Catholic Church parish council in White Lake, was a charter member of the Polar Blazers Snowmobile Club, and participated in several golf and bowling leagues. He was a licensed private pilot for over 30 years.
Survivors include a daughter, Laura (Ronald) Riemersma of Fond du Lac; three sons, Steven (Diane) Gress of Polar, Jeffrey (Amy) Gress of Wausau, Todd (Shawn) Gress of Slidell, LA; 15 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Foth of Wittenberg; a brother, Eugene (Candace) Gress of Polar.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a brother-in-law, Lyle Foth.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 12 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo, with Rev. Zach Weber officiating.
Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Bradley Funeral Home. A wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Dear Cathy and Bob's family, I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing, he was such a kind and gentle man. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him and Cathy over the past 4 years. He was such an intelligent person, I admired him. I was so happy he felt well enough for his & Cathy's last southern adventure. My sincere condolences, Vicky Haber"
"Our Deepest sympathy to the Gress family so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Your father was a kind and generous man and always a gentleman to the Schaeffer family for many years it was a pleasure an honor to know both you're mom and dad . With our deepest sympathy The Schaeffer family"
"For the family and friends of Bob Gress - I will remember Bob as a true gentleman, he was always kind. May your memories and love for him carry you forward. Prayers and hugs to you. Lori Stieber (Servi)"
"Dear loved ones of Bob, we enjoyed being back yard neighbors since he and Jan built the house on highway 64. Even more we enjoyed the many breakfasts, parties, fish fries and celebrations that we were able to share as friends of the entire Gress clan. May you all know God's comfort and peace. Bob and Jo Lomprey"
"Jeff, so sorry for your loss. Prayers."
"Robert Gress family. My deepest sympathy as you mourn the loss of a great man. I will truly miss the conversations we shared, as well as his remarkable friendship. I am thankful for all the great times we had together. Korey Sayles"
"Dear Gress Family, Please accept our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time with the lose of your father. We always enjoyed spending time with Bob and your mom golfing or sharing a meal. Dick and Penny Hurlbert "
"To the family of Bob Gress, you have our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss, Jim and Lois Thorn "
"I am so sorry to hear about Bob. My thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Mary Kay Kuenzli"
"Dear friends and family of Robert. Bob and I knew each other more closely after our Class of '57 graduation. I got to catch up with him at our class reunions and he and his wife were my wheels to take me to my sister's summer home near Muller Lake after reunion festivities. He was such a kind man with a sweet spirit. It is very sad losing yet another classmate. God Bless you. Janet (Rosio) Schoblaska - Phx., AZ"
"Dear Gress Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. This was truly a great man. Your Mom and Dad were always there with an encouraging word. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends be your support now. Love, DeAnn Mathisen & Hannah"