Vicki Kathryn Dress
August 25, 2017Share using:
Vicki Kathryn (Jellison) Dress was called home on August 25th 2017 at the young age of 67. She was born December 19, 1949.
In accordance to her wishes a celebration of life will be held in place of a formal services on September 24, 2017 (Details to follow).
Vicki was born in Dubuque County and was raised in Sherrill, Iowa along with 7 other siblings. Their parents were Monica (Chiaka) Jellison Fullbright and Joseph Jellison.
She attended Dubuque Senior High School.
In her earlier years she worked for Anything Grows and later at Dubuque Discount Gas.
On October 11th, 1969 Vickie married the love of her life Joseph “Joe” F. Dress Sr.,. They stood by each other through thick and thin.
Together they raised 2 daughters Kerri Anne Dress, and Molli Dee (Dress) White, both of Dubuque, IA as well as a son, Joseph F. “Joey” Dress Jr, (Amanda Furry) of Peosta, IA.
She spent her days in her garden, while Joe in his garage (both of which Joe built). Sneaking little peaks at each other over the fence like teenagers in love.
When she wasn’t in her garden weeding her flowers or planting the next sure to be beautiful bloom, you could find her at the table drinking coffee, chatting with her friends, watching her grandbabies and great grandbabies (whom lit up her eyes like the fourth of July); shouting out answers to her favorite game shows, watching old westerns or simply listening to and singing along to old country music.
In the evenings you were sure to find her “keeping her brain young” by doing puzzles of any kind or on the computer sharing stories of her childhood, as well as her heritage. She also enjoyed playing bingo and a game of Double U Casino on Facebook.
Her pride showed through of being a member of the White Earth Chippewa Tribe of the OJIBWE Nation as she passed along the stories and traditions to her family and friends.
Vicki’s words of wisdom have been read by thousands and her kindness was sought by many.
She was always willing to help out any and all who asked and that help was more times than not in the form of a simple prayer to Saint Jude and then “out of her hands” she would then say.
She will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing the beautiful, amazing woman with the kindest of hearts and warmest of souls.
Vicki is survived by her husband Joe Dress Sr and three children Kerri Anne Dress, Molli Dee (Dress) White, and Joseph “Joey” F Dress Jr. Her grandchildren, Timothy Steven (Heather Frommelt) Dress, Sadie Sue (Dress) Hart, Rikki Anne (Eric) Demmers of Dubuque; Jacob Steven Bibb of Iowa City; Mercedes Anne Dress and Makayla Jo Dress of Epworth, Jordan Jessica Hennessy and Joseph F “Joe” Dress III of Dubuque, Andrew Joseph Dress and Ian Edward Dress of Peosta; Her great grandchildren, twins, Paislee Anne & Abigale Jean Dress (9), Emmit Joseph Dress (6), Calvin Mark Demmers (2), Spencer Joseph Dress Jr (1) and Klaus Steven Dress (1) all of Dubuque, Iowa; two brothers Kelly Michael Jellison of Lacrosse, WI and Vincent J “Vince” Jellison of Maquoketa; as well as her dear Aunt Erma Nodeen whom she held dear to her heart; and her puppies Zoey and Bousch.
She is preceded in death by her parents; grandson Spencer Joseph Dress Sr, Granddaughter Dancé Molli Dress; Sisters Mary Chandler, Cheryl Gruber, and Kristine Carter; brothers Joseph Jellison Jr, Keith “Corky” Jellison, and Timothy Jellison; and her beloved pupper Speed Racer.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jill Powers and all of the Finley Hospital Staff for their immediate response, their care, and kindness.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Vicki’s name may be sent to Joe Dress, 878 Edison Dubuque, Iowa 52001.
