Todd W. Ress, 39, of Weston, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, of cardiac arrest while working in Medford.

Todd was born July 9, 1970, in Marshfield, son of DuWayne Ress and Lynette (Gebelein) Stroetz. On Dec. 22, 1995, he married Jenny Hilgemann in Stratford. She survives.

After graduation from Marshfield Senior High School, Todd attended Northcentral Technical College and achieved his certificate in plumbing. After working through his apprenticeship, Todd formed Ress Plumbing and Testing LLC, a company that he currently operated at the time of his death. Todd was a dedicated and hard working master plumber, and was very well respected in his field.

Todd was a loving husband and father. He was well respected, kind and always had a positive attitude about every aspect of life. He was truly considerate of others, and tried hard to see the best in everyone and helped countless people improve their position in life. Todd will be deeply missed by his family, friends and business associates.

He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He treasured the opportunity to read to his children each night before they went to bed, something he felt strongly about. Todd particularly enjoyed watching his children playing sports, including his daughter swimming in meets for the Wausau Tide and his son playing for Everest Youth Hockey. Todd enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, and his hobbies included working on his home, golf, boating, playing cards and listening to music. Todd was a passionate hockey fan and supporter. At the time of his death, he was very active in Everest Youth Hockey, currently serving on its Board of Directors, and in many volunteer positions.

Todd is survived by his wife, Jenny; his daughter, Asha; and his two sons, Ryder and Kole. He is also survived by his mother, Lynette (Leroy) Stroetz, Stratford; his siblings, Shelley (Wally) Kress and Josh Ress, all of Stratford; his in-laws, Anthony (A. Jay) and Mary Hilgemann, Mosinee; his brother-in-law, Bradley Hilgemann, who resides in Arizona; and his sister-in-law, Dana Hilgemann, Wausau. Todd was preceded in death by his father, DuWayne Ress.

The celebration of Todd's life and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at the Mountain of the Lord Lutheran Church in Rib Mountain. The Rev. Dan Solofra will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and again from 9 a.m. until the start of service Thursday, all at the church.

Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, Weston, is assisting the family with all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the children.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.