Let's Meet Our Staff

I like to call Stoughton my home.  It was in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin where I graduated from high school in 1969 and lettered in football at Sun prairie High school.  In 1973, I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in Psychology.  The following year, in 1974 I graduated from the Southern Illinois University Mortuary School.  In 1975 I became a licensed funeral director.  Two years later, I was promoted to Vice President.  I currently serve as President of Cress Funeral Service.

In 1979 I married Sherry Georgi. I am very proud of my wife and our family which includes three sons – Rob, Matthew and Patrick.  I can tell you that nothing means more to us than our health.  My wife Sherry is a cancer survivor and we are blessed to have each day with the ones we love.  Sherry is a very active and vibrant member of the Stoughton Relay for Life.

I am a member of the Stoughton Lions Club, Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton, Zor Shrine and the State of Wisconsin Crematory Council.  I enjoy my family foremost and in no particular order of importance – photography, computers and traveling the globe.

I have spent my entire career serving the families of Southern Wisconsin with care and compassion.  I never take any passing lightly.  This is why I became a funeral director.  To care for families in their time of need.  That's what really a funeral director is all about – helping people in our community through a difficult time.  This job is never easy.  Each experience has taught me a new lesson and I believe has gained me the true meaning of a helping hand.

At Cress Funeral Service, I hope you find the best quality of service available at a fair price.  I also hope you know that because each family is unique, we want to help tell your “story”.  At Cress Funeral Service, our focus is “personalizing” your remembrance, not just having a funeral.

Having grown up in Sun Prairie with my parents, Bob and Hazel Cress who modeled community participation and hard work, I had visions of my own. After high school, I went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota-Mankato in 1983, receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. That's also when Mike Fose and I got married and started our careers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We've enjoyed raising a small family our son, Carter and our daughter, Whitney who keep life fun and exciting. As a family, we love to explore the Wisconsin waterways, romp in the fields with our dog, Ritz, and traverse the slippery slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

From 1982 – 1998, opportunities led me to several well-established organizations as a tax manager, manufacturing consultant and a school board president for a Christian high school. Mike and I and the kids moved back home in 1998 to join our family's business, Cress Funeral and Cremation Service as our company Vice President.

I made connections in the community by serving as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the Sun Prairie Colonial Club; Blackhawk Church member and coordinator for the Information Center and Lobby Hosts, as well as a Senior High Life Group Leader. Also, like many parents, I have enjoyed helping in the Middleton schools where Carter and Whitney have attended.

The opportunity to work with our family operated funeral home has been wonderful. It is very fulfilling to be side-by-side with family and staff members who are hard working and passionate about extending care to the communities we live in. In addition, it is especially rewarding to be a part of my father's dream and to be contributing to its' legacy of service.

I was born in Madison and grew up primarily in Sun Prairie with my parents, four brothers and one sister, graduating from Sun Prairie High School in 1976.  During my high school years, I enjoyed practically every sport. You could always find an excuse to be outdoors playing a pick-up game with your friends. I particularly enjoyed playing hockey, football and baseball in high school.

After high school, I stayed close to home attending the University of Wisconsin here in Madison. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting in 1980 and received my CPA certification shortly thereafter.

I married Mary Cress in 1982 and together we have raised three wonderful children.  I might add that all three have helped with the family business handling regular chores like lawn mowing, planting flowers and computer data entry.  You can say, it has been a family affair.

From 1981-1986 I enjoyed working as a CPA,  primarily with Smith and Gesteland, CPA's.  In 1986, I joined Cress Funeral and Cremation Service as Vice President and Treasurer. Through my work at Cress, I have learned much more than I ever did in college.

I am a member of the Madison West Towne-Middleton Rotary Club, Blackhawk Church, and Zor Shrine as well as several other community based organizations.  In my free time you will find me snow skiing, playing soccer, enjoying a good book or any activity that involves my family.

It is a privilege and honor to be part of the Cress family.  Both Bob and Bill Cress are men filled with integrity and the desire to help serve each family with compassion during their time of loss.  I have been blessed with the gifts of encouragement, service, love and compassion.  My hope is that we will be an encouragement to each and every family that we serve with the opportunity to touch their lives with love and compassion.

I grew up in the Sun Prairie - Cottage Grove area, a daughter of Walter and Jerry Georgi, the 5th of six children. I'm a 1978 graduate of Sun Prairie High School. In 1979 I married Bill Cress and I'm the proud mother of three sons. I have worked in the family business ever since. When the boys were small I coached youth soccer and was a Den Mother and Scoutmaster.

I'm a cancer survivor and very active in the American Cancer Society. I serve on the Relay for Life Committee, am a Sponsor and Team Captain. I am a member of the Daughter's of the Nile and of Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton.

I enjoy movies, music, dancing, photography and playing the hand bells at church. If you see me out, you will probably see me with a camera.

With a family background in funeral service, Scott took immediate interest in providing care to families in the death of their loved one. He has been with Cress since 1999. Scott graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science in 1996. In his “off time” he enjoys a good round of golf, hunting and spending time with his wife and three children. Scott also enjoys watching Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer football games. Scott takes great pride in establishing a strong bond with the families he serves. He has helped implement a Veterans service package honoring those that have served our country. Scott is a Regional Representative of the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin (FSCA), which has allowed him to learn more about funeral service and develop his professional strengths. As Operations Manager, Scott oversees the daily operations of all eight Cress locations. Feel free to contact Scott regarding any questions or concerns you may have and how the Cress Family can help serve you better.

With the primary focus on my family, being a husband, father and grandfather, I understand the importance of serving your family and I transcend this same purpose into my profession with over forty years of experience in funeral service.

I was raised in DeForest and am a DeForest High School graduate. I majored in education at UW-Madison and graduated with honors from MATC in Milwaukee with an associate degree in mortuary science. I have enjoyed working as a funeral director for twenty years, interning with Schmidt-Bartelt in Milwaukee, nine years with Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, and the last ten years with Cress Funeral & Cremation Service managing the Sun Prairie and East Washington Avenue location.

Following in my father's footsteps, I have been a licensed WIAA official for thirty five years officiating football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. Besides officiating, my interests are in Badger football, which I have been a season ticket holder for over twenty years, basketball, Packer football and the Brewers. I am married to Janice, have 2 daughters, Megan (Phil) Reynolds and Rachel, and one grandson, Ewan Reynolds.

Andrew is married with two sons, a daughter-in-law and one grand-daughter. He enjoys travel and whatever the season, outdoor activity. In addition to funeral director, Andrew also has specialized certification and experience in crematory operations and instructs state approved classes for funeral directors continuing education. Andrew has developed a special infant care program with the area hospitals, and was instrumental in establishing Cress' recycle program.

I am a licensed funeral director, a certified celebrant, and the branch manager of the Stoughton, McFarland and Deerfield Cress Funeral Homes. Funeral service is an opportunity to serve families and help them through a very difficult time. Families place their trust in us to care for them and for their loved ones, and I am committed to providing families with compassion and the best possible service. I also give informational presentations on death, funerals, obituaries, and preplanning to a variety of local groups, and enjoy my involvement with many civic and charitable organizations in Stoughton, McFarland and Deerfield.

Rachel Bledsoe originally came from St. Louis, Missouri in 2002. She met her loving husband, Joel Bledsoe shortly after moving here and has become a proud Madisonian over the last few years. Rachel joined the Cress Team in 2007 and still manages to be an active member of the Theater Community, specifically working with Mercury Players and Strollers. Rachel cares deeply about her job and believes that pre-planning is the most loving gift anyone can give to their families. Rachel's passion is what makes her such a valuable member of our team!

Sergeant First Class Bryan Foster enlisted into the U.S. Army in March 1990 from East St. Louis, Illinois. His 20 years of patriot service included two combat tours: one Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and Operation Joint Endeavor, Bosnia. Sergeant First Class Foster awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with a Silver Knot, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Korea Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia with 3 Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Saudi Arabia-Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NATO Medal, Army Superior Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Recruiter Gold Badge with 3 Sapphires, Army Recruiter Ring of Excellence and the Glen Morrell Medallion.

Sergeant First Class Foster holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Art Degree in General Education and Associate of Arts Degree in Education From Columbia College. He is currently pursuing a Master's of Art in Human Service specialized in Health Care Administration and Associate of Science in Funeral Service. Sergeant First Class Foster retired from the United States Army in December 2009 and has since joined the team of associates at Cress.

Becoming a funeral director has been a life-long dream of Bryan's. "Now is the time for me to adventure into the field that I left to serve my country, almost 20 years ago. With the many leadership skills that have been acquired in the military, it will be my privilege to take care of families when I am called upon. Placing the needs of others before by own, has been a trait from my military leadership that will be well needed in my service in the funeral profession."

John C.A. Jacobsen, is married with adult twin sons. He has been a funeral director since 2005 after a 24 year career in community services for persons with disabilities. John is active in church music ministry and volunteers with The Road Home (formerly, Interfaith Hospitality Network), an inter-church network of support to homeless families moving to independence. He also enjoys cycling, hiking, golf and all things outdoors in Wisconsin.

Floyd Kleppe is a retired FUNERAL DIRECTOR that has worked at Cress Funeral Service for 52 years.  Floyd is a Madison “original” and is loved by any who have met him.  Floyd continues to work part time with Cress Funeral and Cremation Services.

Claudia was born and raised in Beaver Dam, WI. She received her BA degree in Education from Carthage College and spent many years teaching full time and substituting in WI and OH. Claudia lives in Sun Prairie with her husband, Terry and they have 2 grown sons, Michael and Bob. In 1999, she joined Cress Funeral & Cremation Service as an Advance Planning Consultant and has become passionate about educating families about advance funeral planning and what a wonderful gift it is for their loved ones. Her life has been enriched by meeting so many wonderful families doing a job she truly enjoys.

I was born and raised in Brodhead WI and graduated from Brodhead High School in 1983. I was a specialty food salesman for 17 years, until with the love and support of my wife I returned to school, graduating from MATC-West Allis in 2006 with an Associates Degree in Funeral Service. I live in Brodhead, and have been married to my wife Stacey for 20 years, and have three children, Caitlyn, Brianne and Brendan. I like to spend time with my family, and working on home improvement projects. I enjoy assisting families in their time of need, and am pleased to be part of the Cress organization.

Jessica was born in Madison and graduated from McFarland High School. She attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and received her Associate's Degree in Funeral Service. Jessica has been devoted to helping the families of Cress Funeral Service for the last 12 years. She is active in the Stoughton and McFarland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Stoughton Alumni and Verona PTO. When not at work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, especially her husband and three sons.

"Working as a funeral director for Cress has been such a rewarding profession. I enjoy meeting new people and being able to help in a time of need."

I am pleased to be a part of the Cress team as their Continuing Care Coordinator. I support and assist families after a service as they begin their grief journey. From my personal experience with the loss with my first husband, I can offer authentic compassion and understanding.

Cress' Continuing Care Program assists in connecting families with community resources, both emotional support and estate aspects, which are necessary for the healing process to begin. Cress Funeral Homes' goal for the Continuing Care Program is to provide help through listening and respecting each family member's personal experience by providing ongoing value.

On a personal note, I was born and raised in Madison, WI and received my BA degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining as the Continuing Care Coordinator, my experience in managing an office and working in Special Education within the school system provided me with a wide range of knowledge. Currently, my husband, Larry and I live in McFarland with our three children, Conley, Eann and Guinivere.

Coming soon...

I live in McFarland and am the mother of four children, Cassie, Luke, Alyssa and Michael. Not long after my husband passed away, I began working at HospiceCare, Inc. and really grew to love supporting people during their time of loss. I am very excited to be working at Cress where I am able to provide support to our clients, as well as the incredible staff. I feel that my personal and professional experience with loss will help me provide the kindness and compassion that people deserve at this time. Outside of work, I enjoy doing anything with my family!

Lon was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 1992. He attended a semester at Wisconsin Lutheran College before transferring to Milwaukee Area Technical College where he received his Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science in 1997. Lon received his Funeral Director's License in 1997. He moved with his wife Yvonne, to De Forest in 1998. They have two daughters Kelsey and Morgan. He has served families in the De Forest area as a Funeral Director since 1998 and continues to serve the community at the Cress Funeral Home in Sun Prairie and Madison. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, fishing and reading.

Yvonne is a native of Lake City, Minnesota and a graduate from Lake City High School. She attended University of River Falls and then transferred to Milwaukee Area Technical College, where she received her Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science. In October of 1997 Yvonne married her college sweetheart, Lon. In the fall of 1998 they moved to DeForest and have resided there ever since. They have two daughters Kelsey and Morgan. She is proud to be part of the Cress Family. Cress Funeral Home has given Yvonne the opportunity to serve families with a personal touch, gentle approach, and provide a memorable service to families at their greatest time of need. When Yvonne is out of the office she enjoys being a mom, baking, sewing, taking vacations and most of all spending time with her family.