Lyall Kress, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Born on August 27, 1949, Phil’s life was marked by dedication to our country through civil, military, and federal services.
As a proud veteran, Phil served with honor in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 until 1970. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA. Following his military service Phil graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in Education. He began his teaching career in Mobile, AL as a history teacher and football coach at Toulminville High School from 1973-1976. He returned to his hometown of Tomah WI in 1977 as a History Teacher at the Tomah Junior High. In 1978, achieving his Masters Degree, he began his administrative position as Vice Principal of Tomah Junior High School until 1982. During that time, the 1980 election, he ran as a Republican candidate for the 92nd assembly.
In 1984, Phil continued his dedication to our country by serving as a training developer at the Army Reserve Readiness Training Center (ARRTC) at Fort McCoy, WI. He was instrumental in developing the Unit Movement and Mobilization courses during his tenure until his retirement in 2011. His commitment and dedication never waivered as he enjoyed working with all military ranks and civilian federal workers.
He was united in marriage to Suellen on September 10, 1983. As an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, he found peace and contentment in the outdoors. They built a family of seven children with values surrounded by hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening while they enjoyed a rural country lifestyle. Philip loved life as an avid outdoorsman where you could always find him working on his property cutting and splitting wood, working the garden on his tractor, and living off the land. Later in life as empty nesters, Phil and Suellen spent a majority of their time golfing throughout the state and traveling to see the country. These activities were more than hobbies, they were the backdrop for bonding with family and friends, sharing stories, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Phil is survived by his devoted wife Suellen Kress, his legacy continues through his children: Georgia Kress, Lyall (Melissa) Kress, Christina (Josh Christianson) Kress, Brian (Haiyang) Northup, Joseph (Courtney) Kress, Peder (Amanda) Kress, and Katie (Christopher) Sparks, 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, brother, Jeff Kress, sister, Vera Kress, Uncle Tom (Karen) Kress, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip H. and Josephine Kress, grandparents Lyall and Vera Wright, Philip E. and Vera Kress, and sister-in-law, Susie Kress.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, Wisconsin. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Family and friends are also invited for visitation on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will be held following the Mass at Murray’s on Main in Tomah. A private family burial with full military honors will be held at the Lyndon Cemetery, Lyndon Station, Wisconsin. Phil’s wish for memorials, were for them to be given to the Wounded Warrior Project in his memory.
Torkelson Funeral Home
