Joseph H. Kresl, Jr.

Joseph H. Kresl Jr., 77, of Jefferson City, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013, at his home. He was born on June 29, 1936, in Osage City, the son of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Schmitz) Kresl Sr. On April 20, 1963, Joseph was united in marriage in Loose Creek to Gerry Ruettgers, who preceded him in death on August 18, 1995. Joe attended St. Peter's Catholic School and Steven's Auto and Electric in Kansas City where he graduated in 1958. He was proud of his 47 years of driving trucks, hauling whiskey for Missouri Distributors, and transporting mail and lumber but most recently for his 30 years of employment with Cole County Industries until his retirement in 2001. Joe was a member of the Missouri Moonshiners Street Rod Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed taking his '71 Chevelle and '39 Chevy Coupe to car shows, tinkering with John Deere tractors, and traveling to swap meets. He was affectionately known as "Big Joe" and he never met a stranger. His favorite activity was spending time at the family farm in Portland, Missouri with the grandkids, family and friends. His survivors include one son: Randy Kresl (Jennifer Hamilton-Kresl) of New Bloomfield; two daughters: Sharon Fennewald (David "Hobie") of Wardsville, and Kim Feltrop (Kevin) of Taos; one sister: Shirley Ortbals of Osage City; sister-in-laws: Dorothy Kresl of St. Charles, Betty Schreiman (Kenny) of Linn, Marilyn Kelsey (Louis) of Liberty and Kathy (Ralph) Dudenhoeffer of Linn; brother-in-law: Richard Ruettgers of Loose Creek; six grandchildren: Nicole Kresl, Levi Fennewald, Jerald Kresl, Shelby Feltrop, Lane Fennewald, and Zachary Feltrop; step-grandchild: Jessica Maddox (Rance) and step-great-grandchild: Ryleigh Maddox and numerous nieces and nephews . He was preceded in death by brother: Frank Kresl and brother-in-law: Webster "Buddy" Ortbals Sr. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Rev. Wayne Boyer and Rev. Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Interment followed in the St. Francis Xavier Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Arrangements were under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com