Loeta Cress

Loeta Reed Cress, age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. She left us as she lived her life, with a strong faith, grace, and dignity. She was born July 6, 1936 the daughter of Herdus and Mary Opal (Freels) Carrell in Newburgh, Indiana. Loeta was a graduate of Newburgh High School, and later moved to Reedsburg, where she owned and operated Reedsgas. She was the former Chairperson of the Republican Party of Sauk County, a supporter of Tommy Thompson, and an instrumental member of the Reedsburg Investment Club. Loeta was united in marriage to W. Robert Cress on July 18, 1987 in Madison. She was a devoted wife and cherished her large family. Bob and Loeta traveled extensively in the states and abroad. Loeta was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she was a member of Sarah Circle, bible study groups, and volunteered with church activities and missions. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile and Daughters of the American Revolution. Family was very important to Loeta, and she especially cherished all of her grandchildren. She took great joy in sharing with them their lives and accomplishments. Loeta had a goal to live, love, and leave a legacy, which she followed with faith all the days of her life. Loeta is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, W. Robert Cress, her children; Emma Lee Grennan, Fairbanks, Alaska, David Reed, La Crosse, Mary Reed Cleary, Reedsburg, Bill (Sherry) Cress, Stoughton, Mary Cress (Dan) Fose, Madison, and Carey Cress (Mike) Fose, Middleton, grandchildren; Lindsey and Fenton J. Grennan IV, Ella and Lydia Reed, Reed, Quinn, and William Cleary, W. Robert (Zinnia) Cress III, Matthew and Patrick Cress, Nathan, Rachel, and Michael Fose, and Carter and Whitney Fose, her sisters; Janice (Don) Perigo, Newburgh, Indiana, Phyllis (Ed) Fraidenburg, Midland, Michigan, brother; Daniel Carrell, Tucson, Arizona, sister-in-law, Doris Carrell, Newburgh, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, William W. Reed, brothers; Gaylen, Glen, and Jerry Carrell, sister Elaine Moranz, son-in-law, Robert Cleary, and grandchildren, Megan Hazel Fose, and Jonah Earl Cress. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI, 53705. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011 at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, with visitation from 12:30 pm until the time of service at the church.

Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5