Jack A. Kresse

Jack A. Kresse of Sullivan, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital. He was born on June 30, 1944 to Arthur and Helen Kresse in Milwaukee. Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; his children, Karen Kresse, Diana (Tom) Paul; granddaughter, Grace; his sister, Jean (Norm) Ruddock as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Don Kresse. Jack grew up in Bayside with a wonderful family, formed great friendships along the way, and throughout his school years became quite the prankster alongside his best friend and partner in crime, John Laatsch. He graduated from Nicolet High School, went on to Marquette University, and shortly thereafter started his career and a family. Jack was known as “the cool dad” on the block amongst the neighborhood kids which Karen and Diana remember fondly. He was a very involved father, teaching his girls how to ride their bikes, fish and play softball, coaching Diana’s elementary school softball team, and always being available to help with math homework. Jack can best be described as strong, loyal, hardworking, generous, and most importantly helpful. Throughout his life, he would drop whatever he was doing to help family, friends and anyone who needed a helping hand. He never failed to show up for others in their time of need. Jack lived a full life. He was a fisherman at heart and most recently passed along his “tricks of the trade” to his granddaughter, Grace along the shores of Green Bay. He enjoyed celebrating holidays and homemade meals with his family, playing cards especially Sheepshead with longtime friends, and hanging out at the local diner. A Wisconsin sports fan through and through, Jack faithfully cheered on the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks. He took his girls to Brewers and Bucks games throughout their childhood and most recently enjoyed watching the Bucks win the NBA championship. In retirement, Jack helped people with home repairs and volunteered at Wildlife in Need in Oconomowoc. They put his handiwork skills to use on building repairs and grounds maintenance. He cared for and loved playing with his grand dogs, Poppy, Callie, Bo, Rainey and Nala. Jack spent time at the family cabin fishing, working on projects, watching the bald eagles and pelicans with a Rum & Coke, Whiskey Manhattan or Manichevitz wine in hand as he relaxed to the sound of waves washing ashore. Jack’s boisterous laugh and big personality filled any room and will be missed by many. He will forever be remembered as the truly exceptional husband, father, grandpa, family man and person he was. The family wishes to extend gratitude to the staff of the MICU at Froedtert Hospital. Your exceptional care and compassion were beyond amazing. We thank you for all you did. A Celebration of Life honoring Jack will be held on September 10, 6 – 8 p.m. at The Oconomowoc Community Center, 220 W. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc. Masks appreciated. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to Wildlife in Need Center, The Milwaukee Rescue Mission and Wounded Warriors of Wisconsin.