Gress
Harry was born on May 17, 1941, to Peter and Matilda Gress, Mandan. He was raised on a farm and educated in Mandan.
Harry joined the United States Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961. His tour of duty included Germany.
Harry was united in marriage to Carol Knutson in 1965 in Glendive. Harry spent most of his life pursuing his passion of playing the guitar and singing. He was the lead guitar player for numerous bands, including The Starfires, The Country Starfires, Randy Karr and North Country and Clark Gable and the Other Side.
Highlights of his career were playing back up for Tammy Wynette and Charlie Pride. His signature move was playing the "Orange Blossom Special" behind his head and amazed many by his talent over the years. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW.
Harry also worked as a professional over the road truck driver and spent the last 10 years working as a caregiver for the mentally challenged at the Divine House in Detroit Lakes, Minn. He was especially loved by his clientele and referred to by many as "dad."
He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his daughters, Christine (Wade) Montgomery, Williston and Karyn (Brian) Udland of Williston; three sons, Brien (Nicole) Gress of Becker, Minn., Loren Gress of Williston and Michael (Amanda) Gress, Williston and 15 grandchildren.
Harry is also survived by three stepchildren, Lisa (Tim) Sparks, Grand Forks, Ryan (Stephanie) Olson, Ulen and Talia (Dave) McDougal Detroit Lakes from a second marriage to Lori Dillon. He has 11 step-grandchildren.
Harry is also survived by three sisters, Ann Smith, Mandan, Shirley Dowd, Eagan and Mary (Paul) Kottke, Burnsville, Minn.; three brothers, Paul (Laverne) Gress, Center, Dennis (Dawn) Gress, Mandan and Frank (Mary) Gress, Mandan and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Isabel and JoAnne; his closest friends, Ben and Jack and two grandchildren, Shaun and Sierra Sky.
A rosary and prayer service is at the St. Vincent’s Catholic Church west of Mandan at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2009.
A Christian burial service and internment is at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.
A Web site has been established in memory of Harry “Smiley” Gress at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/smiley/homepage.aspx.
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