Fred W. Tress

Fred W. Tress, 81, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Monday, December 21, 2009 at Ottawa Regional Hospital and Healthcare Center. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, December 24, 2009 at Ottawa Funeral Home with the Rev. Lisa Hadler officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Wednesday, December 23, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Services. Fred was born May 14, 1928 in Ottawa, IL., to Percy and Bonnie (Farnham) Tress. He married Helen Hartshorn March 15, 1952 at St. Columba Church. Fred graduated from Knox College in 1950. He then went to the Bradley School of Horology (Watchmaking). At Knox College he was commissioned to the 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and then transferred to the National Guard. He was called to active duty in 1951 and served as a 1st Lieutenant. While serving, Fred received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon, Korean Campaign Ribbon with three battle stars, UN Ribbon, and other numerous State Ribbons and Awards. While serving in the Illinois National Guard, Fred was also called for riot duty numerous times. He retired from the Illinois National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years of service. After College graduation he joined his father at the Tress Jewelry store in 1950, until retiring in 1992. The store was started by William T. Tress, Fred's Grandfather. The Tress family served the Ottawa area for over 100 years. Fred is survived by his wife, Helen; two daughters, Gail Hayward of Grand Ridge and Karen (Richard) Terry of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Ryan Terry of San Francisco, Cheryl Matthews and Laura Wieczorkiewicz, both of Grand Ridge; one great grandson, Rhys Terry; and a sister, June Atwood of Texas. He is preceded in death by a grandson, Aaron Terry and a son-in-law, D. Charles Hayward. Pallbearers will be Don Hartshorn, Richard and Ryan Terry, Marc Tabor, Craig Wieczorkiewicz, and Paul Matthews. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sid Stiefel, Don Grubaugh, Jim Schaive, Ed Ryan, and Bob Shunick. Memorials may be directed to First Congregational United Church of Christ and the Veteran Military Honor Guard.

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