Christe Cress

Christe Kay (Wilson) Cress, 70, of Williamsburg, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo, Iowa. Christe was born on September 13, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Louis Roy and Sandra Eileen (Mettler) Wilson. She spent her childhood in Hopkinton, Iowa, before moving to Marion with her family. Christe graduated from Marion High School in 1973. In 1976, she married Thomas M. Cress, although they later divorced. During this period, she lived in various locations, including Scotland and Virginia.Christe attended Kirkwood Community College and dedicated over 30 years as a billing specialist at Mercy Family Practice Center in Cedar Rapids. Before her retirement, she also worked at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, demonstrating great attention to detail and pride in her work.While residing in Marion, Christe was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, where she enjoyed teaching religious education and confirmation classes. After relocating to Wellman in 2000, she became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 2020, Christe moved to Highland Ridge in Williamsburg.Christe was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. She cherished the time she had with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She will be best remembered for her laughter, advice, and constant source of support and unconditional love. Christe is survived by her daughter, Angela (Clint) Whetstine of Wellman; two grandchildren, Case and Allie Whetstine of Wellman; one great-grandchild, Brynlee Whetstine of Wellman; two sisters, Ann (Jay) Smith of Iowa City and Patti (Steph) Swartz of Des Moines; a brother, Matthew Wilson of Coon Rapids, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Peggy Gartner.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 am Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wellman. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman. A prayer service will be at 1:30 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Wellman. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Powell Funeral Home is caring for Christe and her family.