Wilfred Francis Gress

Wilfred “Bill” Francis Gress, 87, of Arlington, Virginia, died at his home on September 1, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born July 14, 1927, in Seneca, Kansas, to Wilfred T. and Mary J. (nee: Krapp) Gress. He was reared in Seneca and San Diego, California, where he graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1945. He married the former Anne DeMichele of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1951. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland and was a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army. During his career he served overseas in Tokyo, Paris, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Bill was a recipient of the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. Bill was an avid gamester and a Bridge Life Master. For many years, he taught and directed duplicate bridge for seniors in Arlington. He loved to bowl, play tennis, and root for the Washington Nationals and Redskins. Bill greatly enjoyed jazz and classical music, and the humor of P.G. Wodehouse and Walt Kelly (Pogo), among others. He could also mix a beautiful martini. He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Agnes Parish. Bill is survived by Anne, his devoted wife of 63 years, and his loving children, Gregory (Joan) Gress and Barbara (Mark Graham) Gress, grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jane, Anne, and Julia, sisters Mary Ann Holiday and Linda Halvorsen, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Gerald, Cletus, and sister Grace. He will be greatly missed and forever in the hearts of those who knew him. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, from 5-7 pm at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2014, 10:30am, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1910 N. Randolph St., Arlington. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of Arlington County or St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, KS