Eugene Lewis Tress

A true patriot and devout Christian, Eugene “Gene” Tress, age 91 years, went home to be with the Lord on August 17, 2024. Born August 2, 1933 in Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania to parents Edward C. Tress and Mary Benard Tress, he was raised by his grandfather and Mennonite grandmother. His work ethic emerged at an early age as he worked for members of the Amish community harvesting chickens and tobacco farming. At age 18, he enthusiastically enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country with proud commitment for 20 years. He was stationed at Williams Airforce Base (Mesa, Arizona), Korea, Bermuda, Sacramento, California, Thailand and Chicago, Illinois. Beyond his active service, his love and devotion to the United States stayed with him his entire life, and he will be buried at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with full military honors.

In the latter part of his life, Gene met and married his “sweetheart” Ann Aanes Tellor (Sun Lakes, AZ). He is survived by Ann and her daughters. He is also survived by his daughter Kathleen Tress Fort (Litchfield Park, AZ) and her children Bonnie (Damisha) Sims, Amanda (David) Farmer, Krista Sparks, Christopher Amador, his sister Ruth Westemeyer and cousins Pauline Minder and Joyce Moyer. Gene’s legacy also lives on in his stepchildren along with their families, Daniel Maurer, Debra Maurer, Darlene Maurer (John) Hodges, David (Stacy) Maurer, Darren Maurer (Ronie), and Douglas (Brandi) Maurer and his great and great-great grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Aanes Gooding and her sons.

Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Krista Tress, wives Jacquelin Sefcik and Delores Long Maurer, and granddaughter Laura Fort, and stepdaughter Jennifer Tellor Bozek.

Gene was active his entire life and with a spring in his step golfed several days a week and played pool with friends into his 90s. His early morning coffee meetups with friends in Queen Creek were the highpoint of each week in his later years. Gene’s heart was happiest when taking cruises, especially to his beloved Hawaii. He was a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes, AZ, and a member of the Masons.

Because of the devotion and round-the -clock care provided by his wife Ann, and daughter Kathleen, Gene was able to spend his final days peacefully at home, listening to Hawaiian music, watching Newsmax and reading the Bible. Gene was grateful for visits from his pastor Padre Dave Poedel who gave him peace of mind, and the team at Hospice of the Valley who kept him comfortable and at home in his final days.

Gene loved his country passionately and his family asks that the next time you see the U.S. flag, or hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America”, that you think with love and fondness of Gene and remember him for his patriotism.

Services will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, at Risen Savior Lutheran Church (North Building), Sun Lakes, AZ. Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 to 12:00. Service at 12:00.

Arrangements handled by Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Memorials preferred to:

Wounded Warrior Project

Attention Advance Guard

P.O. Box 758518 Topeka, KS 66675-8518

Aloha, and God Bless America!