William R. "Bill" Cress Jr.

Cress, Jr. William R. “Bill” DeForest/Stoughton, Wisconsin

Bill Cress, 74, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 20, 1950 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to William Robert Cress, Sr. (Bob) & Hazel (Martel) Cress. He married Sherry Georgi on August 10, 1979 in Sun Prairie, WI. He was a 1969 graduate of Sun Prairie High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a degree in Psychology in 1973 and from Southern Illinois University where he obtained a degree in Mortuary Science in 1975. Bill was a licensed Funeral Director from 1975 until his retirement in 2019. He was President and Owner of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service and a founding member and Past President of the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin. Bill also participated in the activities of the WI Funeral Directors Examining Board and led many advocacy and legislative efforts for the funeral service industry, both in the State of Wisconsin and nationwide.

He was Past Master of Hiram Lodge No. 50 F. & A.M., a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Madison, the York Rite Bodies, Madison Chapter #4, Madison Council #3, Robert Macoy Commandry #3, and the Zor Shrine Clown Unit. He met Sherry, the love of his life, in full clown makeup at a Shrine Ceremonial in La Crosse, WI in 1978.

Bill loved and cherished his family and extended family. He and Sherry raised their boys in Stoughton and enjoyed the cultural experiences at the Syttende Mai Festival, along with being very active in the planning and fundraising for Relay For Life of Dane County and sponsoring numerous youth sports programs in the communities around them. Bill also was a member of the Stoughton Lions Club and enjoyed working the local service projects, and volunteering on the Stoughton Public Library Board.

He was an enthusiastic fan of the UW Badger Football program and the Green Bay Packer football games. Outdoor photography and birding were some of Bill’s most meaningful hobbies that he enjoyed at their family cottage and at his home. He took these passions on the road while traveling all over the US, especially the stunning National Parks. The wonderful wildlife and landscape photos that he shared with family and friends have became wonderful keepsakes, however, his favorite subjects to capture were the everyday moments with his wife and family members.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sherry; three amazing sons, W. Robert III “Robby” (Zinnia), Matthew (Le My), and Patrick; and his three grandchildren, Hazel, Vivien and Walter Cress.

He is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Dan) Fose and Carey (Mike) Fose; Sister’s in Law, Nancy Kemnitz, Lynda (Tom) Viken, Jackie (Rolf) Olson; Brother’s In Law, Walter (Bud) Georgi, Jr. and Jim (Carol) Georgi; many nieces, nephews and long time friends, Rich and Carolyn Harris.

Bill is preceded in death by his son Jonah, his parents and a niece, Megan Fose.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. A Masonic Service will follow the visitation at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday March 21, 2025 at the Cress Center, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital & Burn Care, flowers are welcome.

Thank you to UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital ICU staff, especially, Dr. Shapiro and nurses, Caleb and Helen.

“I am deeply heartbroken that my best friend and love of my life has passed away. Words can’t express how much I miss him and the void he leaves in my life. His laughter, kindness and presence will forever be cherished in my memories. Rest in Peace my dear Bill. Love you forever.”

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406