Edward Duane Kress

Kress, Mr

Edward Duane

Muskegon, Michigan

Edward Duane Kress, 88, an accomplished businessman, engineer, dog lover, lifelong sailor, designer of homes, and friend to all who met him, passed away on April 2 after brief hypersensitivity pneumonia caused by an allergen, Aureobasidium Pullulans, a black fungus found in soil and old leaves.

Ed will always be remembered for his friendly smile and warm greeting. He was humble. His generosity, intelligence, and humor will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Ed was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, on Saturday, July 16, 1938, to Duane and Maxine Kress. His mother passed away when he was five years old, and he was sent out to be raised by his Great Aunt Anna. He thrived growing up with Aunt Anna on Spring Lake, where he found his love of sailing, gardening, cooking, and everything magical. He attended East Grand Rapids High School, Albion College, and Michigan State University. Ed served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was a former member of Blythefield Country Club and past Commodore at Grand River Sailing Club.

Ed founded Kress Engineering and Sales Company, an innovative and recognized HVAC engineering solutions source. He was also a lifetime member of AHSRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

In 2005, Ed moved to a beautiful subdivision, Scenic Woods, in North Muskegon. Ed had previously been a resident of Grand Rapids and West Olive. He built a home in the shape of a boat, a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. Ed was known as the "resident road engineer." Ed took on a personal challenge to monitor the health of the roads in Scenic Woods and advise the Board on potential problems and solutions. Ed was frequently seen walking his beloved golden retrievers around the two-mile block. As he walked, he kept a keen eye out for any damage to the road or breakdown of edges on the road. One year Ed even organized an association work event to repair cracks in the street. He purchased all the materials and supervised a gang of residents on a Saturday morning to repair road cracks. Ed loved this community and gave time and effort to it. Ed served as both a member of the Architectural Control Committee and a board member.

He is survived by daughter Rebecca Kress (Dave Sanders) and granddaughters Madison and Sydney; son Matthew Kress (Cari) and granddaughters Kensey and Everly; half-sister Wendy Kress, cousin Dan Metzger; and many dear friends. Ed is also survived by his long-time partner, special friend, Amy Johnson, and his beloved Goldens Annie and Ruben.

A celebration of life is being planned for the summer. Tell your family you love them and hug them daily in place of donations or flowers. This world needs more people that love genuinely and openly.

Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon