Joan M. (Krebsbach) Gresser

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Gresser, Joan M. (Krebsbach) passed away peacefully on July 23, 2017 surrounded by her family. Joan was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. She was born in Richmond, MN on September 25, 1932. Joan never stopped looking her best. Having been a department store manager/buyer in her early life, she always dressed in the latest fashions. Joan married Michael C. Gresser (MC) on June 11, 1955 in her home-town of Cold Spring, MN. They moved to St. Paul, Grand Forks, ND, and Burlington, IA for MC's work as a masonry foreman, settling in Eagan, MN in 1962. In 1969, MC and Joan founded Gresser, Inc., a commercial specialty contractor, in the basement of their Eagan home. Gresser Company went on to employ more than 200 people and was twice awarded 50 fastest growing private companies in Minnesota and top 25 women-owned businesses. Joan was one of the early stage investors in ReCon Wall Systems, a retaining wall licensing company with operations in eleven countries. She remained a member of its Board until her death. Although Joan raised three children, managed the home and helped start the business, she still found time for friends and fun. Joan adored her six grandchildren, was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling, celebrations, dancing and a good joke. In addition to her family and friends, Joan LOVED playing bridge and golf and the friendships they brought. Joan was a long-time member of the Minnesota Viper Automobile Club where she and MC made wonderful trips and friends. Joan is survived by her husband of 62 years Michael C., her daughters Michelle (James) Walston and Mary Jo (Steve, deceased) Stackhouse, and son Michael J. (Amy) Gresser. Also survived by grandchildren Dr. James (Victoria) Walston, Elizabeth Walston; Michael R., Ellie, Emma, and Harrison Gresser; sister, Edna Weidner, brother, Ted (Alice) Krebs-bach, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. We are grateful for the compassionate care given to Joan and her family by the angels at N.C. Little Hospice. Memorials preferred to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, 7019 Lynmar Ln., Edina, MN 55435. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 8 from 5-8 PM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th and Hwy 100 (952-920-3996). washburn-mcreavy.com Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, August 9, 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina, (952-929-3317). olgparish.org. A luncheon reception to follow.

Published on July 30, 2017