Christine A. Kress, age 75, of Dubuque, passed away with her loving family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Stonehill Health Center.  To celebrate Christine’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held after visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday at Behr Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Christine was born on November 26, 1949, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Milton Joseph Pauly and Evelyn Lorette Syke.

Christine married Merlin E. Kress on April 17, 1970, and they had a son together.  Unfortunately, Merlin passed away on February 16, 1974.  Christine was a devoted mom who worked hard to take care of her family.  She worked in customer service at different retail shops and restaurants, and owned and operated the West Dubuque Tap until 1982.  She also worked 3rd shift at the Okey Dokey on 1st Street.  Christine loved getting to know her customers and watching their families grow.  In her free time, Christine enjoyed playing Bingo, trying her luck at the casino on the penny slots, going fishing, dancing and putting together jigsaw puzzles.  She also enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends, especially at Texas Roadhouse and Village Inn.  Christine loved her family and she will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Christine’s memory include

her son,
Patrick (Tanya) Kress, Dubuque, IA;

a grandson,
Evan Kress;

5 step-grandchildren,
Trae, Zeke, Jordan, Jade and Paige;

3 step great-granddaughters and a step great-grandson on the way,
Isabelle, Violet and Ember;

and a brother,
David Syke, St. Cloud, FL.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Merlin Kress.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate and professional care these past weeks.

Cards and memorials in Christine’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Christine Kress Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com