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Christian J. Gress, 89, of Reinholds, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017, at Gardens at Stevens Nursing Home.

He was born in Blainsport to the late Jacob G. and Lizzie (Sweigart) Gress and was the husband of Kathryn E. (Snyder) Gress, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.

He was a member of Zion Goshert's United Church of Christ in Lebanon. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and photography.

Christian was a Veteran of the US Navy, having served during WWII. He worked for 50 years as a carpenter for various construction companies. His last employment was with Sell Construction.

In addition to his wife, Christian is survived by 5 children, Ruth E., wife of Jerry Ulrich of Ephrata, George C. Gress, husband of Patti (Darkes) of Lebanon, Miriam R., wife of Dean Patches of Lebanon, Marie K., wife of Jim Redcay of Reinholds, Joan F. Keffer, fiance` of Greg Oliphant of Lancaster; 9 grandchildren, Adam Gress, Kelly Patches, Brian Patches, Doug Patches, Steven Patches, Amanda Dittmer, Megan Heffner, Nicholas Keffer, and Brandon Keffer, a great-grandchild, Linden Dittmer; 2 brothers, Elam Gress of Reinholds, James Gress, husband of Margaret (Kring) of Bowmansville, and a sister, Helen, wife of Roy Dinger of Reinholds; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, John Gress.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2017, from 6 to 8 pm at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver. An additional viewing will be held on Monday, June 19, from 9 to 10 am at Swamp Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 am, with Pastor Bruce Farrell officiating. Interment will take place in the Swamp Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Christian's memory may be made to Zion Goshert's United Church of Christ, 1588 Mt. Zion Road, Lebanon, PA 17046.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.

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