David E. Tressell

David Edgar Tressell, 80, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:45 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2023 at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, Illinois.

Dave was born June 10, 1942 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Charles John and Rosalind Lorraine (Westersfield) Tressell. Dave attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic High School in 1960. He went on to attend Regis College and Southern Illinois University. Dave married Marie Lee Thompson on July 31, 1965 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg, Illinois.

Dave is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Lee of Galesburg; three sons, James (the late, Carla) Tressell of Arvada, Colorado, Mark (Brianna) Tressell of Galesburg, and Bradley (Beth) Tressell of West Saint Paul, Minnesota. Dave is also survived by his beloved four grandchildren, Mari, Rosalyn, Alex, and Jenna. Dave was preceded in death by his parents.

Dave worked for Webber, Griffith, and Mellican, later working for Alan Johnson and Johnson Building Systems. He spent the majority of his career working for Butler Manufacturing, working as a dealer service coordinator and later as a construction specialist.

Dave was a faithful Catholic and member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Father JO Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556 3rd and 4th Degree. Dave served in numerous offices at the KC Hall including grand knight and served as the financial secretary for 9 years. Dave was appointed to serve as the District Deputy. He enjoyed being a member of the Knights and volunteered for many events including bingo, the Tootsie Roll Drive, working in the kitchen, and Christmas Parties. For his faithful participation he was awarded Knight of the Year as well as his family being awarded Family of the Year. Dave served on the Costa Catholic Academy Education Commission for several years, serving two years as president. Dave served several years on the Galesburg Planning Commission. Dave and Lee were avid campers, belonging to the Rail City Ramblers and the KCIC (Knights of Columbus International Camporee). They loved traveling the US in their R.V. spending six winters at Winter Ranch, Alamo, Texas. Dave and Lee were also active hot air balloon hobbyists. They traveled to many different destinations and were awarded 19th place in the Albuquerque Kodak International Balloon Fiesta in 1995.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Galesburg, with Father Lee Brokaw officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 556 or to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building Fund.