WALTER TRESSEN

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WALTER TRESSEN It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Walter Tressen at the age of 82 years at his home in Inglis Florida on July 30, 2001. He is survived by his wife Anne; his sister Sue Pfuisch of California; one niece Irene Shannon of Michigan; nephews, Ted and Jay Tressen of California; several grand nieces and grand nephews and their children. He is survived in Winnipeg by Grand nephews, Marty and Robert Mickoski (Adelle), Brian (Denise) and David (Jill) Humniski, Grand Niece and goddaughter Jo-ann Humniski; great great niece Karina Humniski and great great nephews Jonathan Humniski and Scott Mickoski. He was predeceased by older brothers, Roman, Frank and Gene. Wally was born in Winnipeg, on August 19, 1918 to Joseph and Anna and was the youngest of five children. Wally was educated and raised in Winnipeg and enjoyed participating in softball and ice hockey as a youth. He began his working life as a tailor and in 1940 met Anne Miska while working at the Ladies Coat and Suit Tailoring Company. In 1941 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and spent two and one half years in the European sector. On December 26, 1942 Wally and Anne began their married life together. In 1946 Wally seized the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and moved to Detroit to buy his brother Franks infant and children specialty shop. In Detroit he was active in the Exchange club of North East Detroit especially helping underprivileged children. In January 1960 Wally and Anne moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands where they operated the first car rental dealership in the Islands for Avis. The area also had the best fishing and sailing waters in the world. Wally was proud of the picture of him and his 267 Pound marlin caught in the Caribbean. During their time in the Virgin Islands, the business grew to include a Chrysler dealership, and automotive garage. On the islands they made many dear friends through their involvement in the church, their business relations and the wonderful parties. It was an unforgettable place to visit and over the years they offered a dream vacation location to the many friends and relatives who they opened their doors to. Uncle Wallys acts of generosity were not limited to his family. As a devout catholic he showed his generosity in many ways, assisting in building projects and Christian charities to which he donated his time and resources. In 1978 Anne and Wally retired to Inglis Florida where they lived on the river pursuing the freshwater and ocean fishing available locally. They also took up the game of Golf which gave Wally great pleasure until the time of his passing. Through the Five Rivers Golf and Country Club in Crystal River Florida, they made many dear friends. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Walter Tressen will be held on Friday, October 19 at Holy Ghost Church at 4:30 p.m. with interment at All Saints Cemetery to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2001