Lou Dressler

LOU DRESSLER Alta Lou (Krause) Dressler, known as “Lou,” was born in 1939 in Iola, KS, to William and Maude (McClay) Krause and died on Aug. 31, 2024, in Laurie, MO, at the age of 85. Growing up in Iola, KS, Lou loved math and playing the timpani drum in band. She was a Sweetheart Queen in school and enjoyed learning. Lou married the love of her life, Don Dressler, on June 1, 1958, then shortly after moved to Manhattan, KS, while Don completed his degree in Engineering. She worked at an insurance company to support him while he was in school. These were cherished times for them both. Don then worked for US Steel which took them to many different homes through the years, from Gary, IN; Nevada, MO; Kansas City, MO; Joplin, MO; Tamaqua, PA; Pasadena, CA; Newark, DE; Leawood, KS; (8 moves in 11 years) and finally Laurie, MO. Having three children in 5 years kept Lou busy in the early days. Once the children were in school, she embarked on her educational journey at age 32. Lou completed her Associate of Arts degree with honors from Johnson County Community College in 1971, followed by her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of Kansas (cum laude), and then completed her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Emporia State University, graduating with honors. She went on to a career as a Reference Librarian, working at the Johnson County Main Library in Overland Park, KS. She loved her work as a reference librarian, helping people find answers before the digital age. Don and Lou started a company together, Dressler Consulting Engineers, Inc., where Don was the lead engineer, Lou handled bookkeeping, and the company grew to over 20 employees. Lou and Don traveled extensively with their family for the Christmas holidays, from islands in the Caribbean and Hawaii to Tahiti, and their 25th Wedding anniversary trip with their family in Europe. In 2008 Don and Lou celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends at their home in Lake of the Ozarks. They had 52 treasured years together before Don’s passing in 2010. Their lake house, known as The Anchorage, was a haven for their growing family, where they created cherished memories and special family moments through the decades. An avid learner and woman of words, Lou loved books, puzzles, creating needlework art, and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed working alongside Don as they dreamed and built their business together. Their partnership was amazing to watch. A longtime fan of the Kansas State Wildcats, Chiefs, and Golden State Warriors, she was also a part of the bowling league in Laurie, MO, where she bowled with a 13 lb. ball and was a consistent high scorer. She possessed a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that would make her bright green eyes twinkle and light up. Lou was a genius at giving gifts decorated with complex gift bows. She was incredible in the depth of her endurance, especially over the past six months. She kept her sense of humor throughout and faced these challenges with patience, resoluteness, and resilience. Lou loved all of her grandchildren and their significant partners, bringing an extra layer of joy to her life. She believed strongly in the importance of family, was a strong matriarch, and worked tirelessly to continue to knit her ever-growing family together. She believed family was the anchor for us all. She loved well. Lou was particularly grateful for her “buddies” at the Lake, Rene Renick, Blair (Gary) LaMastres, Laurie (Mike) Resetich, and Bob Hudson, whose adventures are legendary. Their friendship and support over the years have been a blessing to Lou and all of her family. Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Dressler, her parents, William and Maude Krause, twin sister Alma Sue Prather, along with in-laws Paul and Velva Dressler and brother-in-law Dennis “Joe” Dressler. She is survived by her children, Darrin Dressler of Kansas City, MO; Kristin and husband Matt Pierson of Nolensville, TN; David and wife Holly Dressler of Olathe, KS; along with grandchildren Abigail Dressler of Chicago, IL; Dalton Dressler of Olathe, KS; Harrison Pierson and fiancée Allie Hasty of Murfreesboro, TN; Sam Pierson and fiancée Hannah Cheeseman of Nashville, TN; brother William “Bud” and Sharen Krause, sisters-in-law Donna Good and Diane Dressler, special nieces and nephews, and dear friends of the family, Alex Wyler and Hannah Ross. We especially appreciate Dr. Derek Low and the staff at the University of Kansas Medical Center; Gussie, Hannah, and all of the staff at Compassus Hospice. Arrangements are with Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles, MO. The family will hold a celebration of life service for Lou at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would recommend memorial donations to the Kansas State University Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, please indicate fund T61190 which supports the Donald G. and Alta Lou Dressler Memorial Scholarship. To make a gift online, go to ksufoundation.org/give/dressler. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Lou Dressler

April 19, 1939 - August 31, 2024

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Lou Dressler

April 19, 1939 - August 31, 2024

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support