Kress, Joseph H.

Joseph H. Kress, loving brother and uncle, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 16,2010, at Genesis East Medical Center, Davenport. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Chapman Funeral Home, Clarence, with the Rev. David Mears officiating. Burial: Dayton Valley Cemetery, Clarence. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Survivors include his sister, Kathy (Roy) Riecke; his two adoring nieces, Courtney Riecke and Talia (Erik) Adams; his much loved nephews, Rodney (Julie) Kress, Jeff (Jen) Kress, Shawn (Wendi) Riecke and Joe Riecke; his beloved great-nieces, Taylor Kress, Kathryn Jo Riecke (Shu Shu), Olivia Riecke; his wonderful great-nephews, Logan Kress, Carson and Keaton Kress, Ben Riecke and Christian Adams; and sister-in-law, Nancy Kress.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Kress.

Joseph was born Sept. 6,1938 in Tipton, Iowa, to Joseph and Laverna Beinke Kress. Joe was a lifelong farmer in Clarence. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his fun-loving spirit, his work ethic and his love of family. Joe was the best uncle who loved to work and play. His wide range of interests were amazing. He was a loyal tractor collector, a genuinely amazing man and it's surprising that all the pictures of “Big Joe” over the years has him surrounded by loving nieces, nephews and children.

His heart was full of love and lives on in all of us. He had an ornery side that would make the trees smile and a sense of humor that would make the wind howl.