Representative William J. Dreessen View All Years

WILLIAM J. DREESSEN

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character and public service of the late Honorable William J. Dreessen, begs leave to submit the following memorial:

William J. Dreesen, the eldest of eight children, was born to Herman and Margaret Dreessen, on August 19, 1890, on a farm in Jackson Township in Crawford County, Iowa. Both of his parents were born in Germany. He was educated and grew to manhood in the vicinity of Jackson Township.

He was married to Wilhelmina Groen also of Jackson Township on March 12, 1913. Six children were born to this union.

Mr. Dreessen farmed in Jackson Township where he also served as assessor. He was a member of the Forty-fifth and Forty-fifth Extra, Forty-sixth and Forty-sixth Extra, and Forty-seventh sessions of the General Assembly. He also served in the special sessions of the thirties when the State of Iowa and the whole nation were in dire stress. These sessions and his service were of benefit to all as they supported agriculture and the small business of Iowa.

He was elected Crawford County Supervisor and took office in January of 1948 and except for one term served continuously at that capacity until his death, at which time he was chairman of the board. He passed away suddenly in Denison, Iowa, on October 20, 1964 at the age of seventy-four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Dreessen moved to Denison, Iowa, on May 20, 1948, and made their home there since that time. He had been a member of the Masonic order and a member of the Presbyterian Church and served in church offices. He also held office of Democratic Committeeman.

Mr. Dreessen is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina; three daughters, Mrs. Glen Hollander of West Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. Ralph Alter of Coffeyville, Kansas; and Mrs. Lowell Miller of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three sons, Alfred W. Dreessen of Wall Lake, Iowa; Marvin Dreessen of Vail, Iowa; and Leonard Dreessen of Vail, Iowa; ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Sixty-first General Assembly of Iowa: That in the passing of the Honorable William J. Dreessen the state has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this resolution would express its appreciation of his service, and tender its sympathy to the members of his family.

Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

HAROLD J. HOUSTON,

LAMAR FOSTER, SR.,

ARTHUR C. HANSON,

Committee.