Timothy I. Cress

Timothy Irving Cress, passed away on December 13, 2020, after putting up a good fight in trying to beat the odds against diabetes, cancer, and liver disease. Tim was born January 8, 1958, in Phillips, WI, to Tom and Shirley Cress. He spent his early years in Phillips before moving to Alaska in 1969, where he graduated from Valdez High School. After high school Tim spent a brief time in TX before moving back to Valdez. He married Michelle King and worked for the AK Department of Transportation for 24 years. In addition to spending his free time in AK with his family, Tim enjoyed fishing, softball, and was an accomplished dart player and skier.

In 2004, Tim and his family returned to Phillips. He worked for many years at Biewer Lumber, and in recent years at Phillips Medisize. While he didn’t make it to the PGA Tour, Tim did take up golf and it became his favorite sport to watch and play. On seeing him play, his brother told him he should “keep his day job” or maybe consider bowling or horseshoes.

Tim was a friend to all because of he had a huge heart. He was a kind, caring, and humble person, always there to help his friends and family. In recent years Tim was a saint in devoting countless hours to helping his mother with anything she needed. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and until his health deteriorated, he was always a willing volunteer, even though he was in no danger of wearing out a pew on Sundays. He understood the importance of serving others in all that he did. Tim also knew how to make people laugh and his sense of humor and ever-present smile will be etched in the memory of all his friends and family.

More than anything, Tim loved his children and cherished his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He was so proud of his children and absolutely loved being a grandpa. Tim would have given anything to be here to see his grandchildren grow up and his children continue to make their way in life. Now that he has reunited with his sisters and his dad, it is a certainty they will all keep watch over his family.

Tim would want everyone to celebrate his passing by being kinder, more forgiving, and doing as much as possible to make a difference in other peoples’ lives. Those values and being a loving parent, grandparent, son, and brother will be his legacy.

“Timmy”, as he was known to his family, is survived by his son, Zac, Phillips, WI; daughter, Jessi (Michael) Masciotra, Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Annabelle and Rhemni; former wife, Michelle; brother, Mike (Anne), Columbus, OH; his dear mother, Shirley Cress, Phillips, WI; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom; and sisters, Sheri Caldwell, and Marianne Deitz.

Tim will be helping to get rid of COVID from above so we can set a date for a celebration of his life next summer. Stay tuned in 2021. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.