Robert “Rob” Dresen, age 59, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born on December 3, 1963 to the late Norbert and Coletta (Birrenkott) Dresen at the Methodist Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. On June 22, 1991, Rob married the love of his life, Christy Mootz. They loved spending time fishing, enjoying “Sunday Fundays” and just being together. Together they had one son, Bryce and two four legged best buds, Val and Lilly.
Rob graduated from Middleton High School in 1982 and attended Madison College. He started at Fish Building Supply, then worked at Hurd Millwork and SEMCO. He worked in the residential and commercial window industry in purchasing, QA, production, estimating and sales and then retired at Old Castle Building Envelope due to COVID and his health in 2020.
Rob grew up in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. Baseball was his favorite sport, he played and coached on numerous championship teams in Little League, Babe Ruth, CYO, Home Talent and softball for Dresens Bar. He also umpired and coached youth travel baseball, women’s softball and CYO baseball and basketball, and was coach and AD at Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill.
In his earlier years, Rob loved to hunt and fish. Throughout his life, Rob enjoyed reading, especially Gordon Macquarie and Aldo Leopold. He enjoyed vintage hunting and fishing memorabilia, weekend road trips, and nightly car rides scouting for wildlife. Rob really loved his hat collection too. Rob was often seen cheering on the Badgers, Packers and Brewers and any games his son played in!
Rob is survived by his wife, Christy Dresen, son: Bryce Dresen, sisters: Luanne (Robert) Ruhland of Madison, WI, Elana Dresen of Waunakee, WI, and Carla Dresen of Cross Plains, WI, parents-in-law: Dave and Jean Mootz of Merrill, WI, brother-in-law: Jim (Julie) Mootz of Merrill, WI, nieces and nephews: Tami (Brian) Munster of Sun Prairie, WI, Matt Ruhland (Godson), Jourdyn (Sam) Koebe of Sun Prairie, WI, Nick (Sydney) Mootz of Schofield, WI, Chaz Mootz of Minneapolis, MN, Zach Mootz of Merrill, WI, Connor Mootz (Godson) of Merrill, WI, and Troy Mootz of Merrill, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David Dresen.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of service also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Sportsman Club, SAL – Post 245 Cross Plains, Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill, and/or ODHA Gordon Macquarie – Barns History Museum in memory of Rob.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.