Michael Paul Kress' Obituary
Michael Paul Kress, age 82, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, August 18, 2025.
Mike was born on October 15, 1942, to Raymond and Ann Kress in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Kress family later moved to Greendale, WI where Mike spent his childhood years. Mike graduated from Marquette Prep and went on to attend Marquette University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1965. After college, Mike started his career at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee and in 1970 moved to Seattle to take a job with the Boeing Company. Mike went on to spend 42 years as an engineer at Boeing, with a few years at Sundstrand Data Corp wedged in between. During his career Mike achieved numerous certifications and distinctions; an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer, an ASQ Fellow and Associate Technical Fellow.
From his early days, Mike was known to be driven, known for his hard work ethic and a do-it-yourself mentality. Mike was extremely proud of working multiple jobs to pay his way through college, with some money on the side for his hot car. Mike was a determined man, where his hard work ethic translated to his spending time taking care of the yard such that it was the nicest in the neighborhood. If the car was broken down, you would find Mike in the garage working to fix it. If a tree needed to be removed, he cut it down and dug out the stump. Mike insisted that his garage was always impeccably organized and clean. You name it, Mike did or fixed it and was not finished until it met his standard.
While Mike’s life was defined by determination, hard work and sacrifice which led to a successful career, outside of his work, he never took himself too seriously. Never short on jokes, a good story or playful prank, Mike always was good at bringing a laugh and a smile to those who knew him. Mike loved to workout, was athletic and built, and was subtle yet distinct in letting you know that he was “kinda good looking.” Mike was a man who cherished the outdoors - playing softball, camping, skiing, hiking, fishing or doing yard work. In retirement, Mike enjoyed caring and fixing things around the house or in the yard. He enjoyed traveling on cruises and elsewhere with his wife Connie. Mike was the Cigar Aficionado, enjoyed a good gin martini, and enjoyed dressing up in a nice suit or his tuxedo (and yes, hinting to you how good he looked in it). Mike loved watching sports; Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Storm, Seattle Mariners, Marquette Golden Eagles, Golden State Warriors, and Washington Huskies. Mike passed just short of celebrating 41 years of marriage to Connie.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Kress and four sons: James, David (Colette), Thomas (Lydia) and Daniel (Amanda). Mike was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Trenton, McKenzie, Claire, David Jr., Matthew, Nathan, Aubrey, Benjamin, Lynly, Noah, and Ethan and three great grandchildren, Cove, Lukas, and Siobhan. Mike was predeceased by his son Timothy, brother Billy, brother Deane, and brother Mark.
Mike will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and for the joy and laughter he brought to all who knew him. He was an ardent lover of his family, and his life, and will be remembered for his passion, grit, and resilience.
On Monday September 22nd, a memorial service and celebration of Mike’s life will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (515 S 312th St, Federal Way) starting at 2pm. The family asks that you please RSVP by September 15th such that we can effectively plan.
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