Cover photo for Robin Rae Kress's Obituary
Robin Rae Kress Profile Photo
1962 Robin 2025

Robin Rae Kress

August 11, 1962 — February 3, 2025

Robin Rae (Rudolph) Kress was born August 11,1962 in Rugby, North Dakota to Michael and Kathleen (Shafer) Rudolph. She was enfolded into God's loving arms February 3, 2025.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30am, Friday, Feb 7 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N 26th St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30pm, with a time for stories and songs starting at 6:30pm, Thursday, Feb 6 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. 

When we discovered that I had cancer, I decided to write a letter of gratitude. I had a great life and was deeply blessed. I have no regrets (I could have been kinder in a few instances!), but I am at peace.

My family moved around quite a bit, but settled in New Town, North Dakota. I had a typical childhood - met friends in elementary school that I am in contact with still. I was involved in the yearbook production a mediocre track and field contestant, and loved traveling around the countryside judging livestock for 4H and FFA 

I went to Minot State College to major in English Education and PE. I had a lot of fun in college, some of which still embarrasses me. One great memory was being the Beaver mascot. But the singular highlight of my college years was the group of people I met, who have become lifelong friends, supporters, golf partners, and adventure partners. We meet for homecoming every year, tell the same stories and pour over the old yearbooks. Now, we also must pass around reading glasses.

I began teaching in the small town of Donnybrook, North Dakota. I would like to apologize to those students for my lack of skill and patience. I did get better! Teaching was my passion. I loved most of my students, especially my track girls, and I hope I touched their lives as much as they touched mine. I stayed in this profession for 32 years and four different school systems. Shout out to the retired Simle teacher "Lunch Ladies!" Your wisdom and support mean more to me than you will ever know. Kristy, you are right! Parked car conversations are low key therapy sessions.

In 1994, my bestie, Michelle, and I went on summer adventures, which led us to the Culbertson, MT, wagon train. On the first day, I rode up to a hottie on a paint horse. Twenty-eight years later, I remember his smile. Marc has a different story to tell of our meeting, you should ask him. We had a whirlwind courtship, engagement, and wedding in 1996. We have faced great times, floods, fires, tragedy, but through it all, Marc, I would choose you again and again and again. I cannot express my gratitude for how well you have taken care of me during this journey. 

From the time that I was young, I knew I wanted to be a mom. I waited a long time for my boys and they were truly a gift from God. Tyler and Tanner, I am so proud of the men you have grown to be. I love that you are kind to others, respectful, and hug with your grandparents. I hope you will look back at your childhood with good memories of hauling toys to the big rock, exploring our pasture, and field trips to Fort Lincoln, Fort Mandan, and the train museum and watching every Disney movie. I know I love and cherish every one of these memories with you. And I did not carry a wooden spoon in my purse. 

My parents have been such a great source of comfort, strength and support. I cannot begin to imagine their pain at losing a child. Please give them an extra tight squeeze and a prayer. 

I hit a grand slam with Marc's sister and husband, Sheila and Jay. I love you guys for you, but I love you more for how much you love my boys. 

Maya Angelou once stated that people come into your life at the exact moment you need them the most.

I am grateful for our Lord of Life family who said, "We love kids!" and showed that when we brought our squirming one- and three-year-old boys to church. Dave Leer will always hold a special place in my heart for sharing his time and wisdom with Tyler and Tanner as their confirmation mentor. I was honored to be able to play my guitar for Sunday/Wednesday church school and join the talented music group for the contemporary service. I am so thankful for the meals and thoughtful cards I have received while going through this journey. 

I am grateful that the Sorge Family welcomed us into the neighborhood 24 years ago and for the many memories we made together. Through all this time and now almost 100 miles of separation, we have remained cherished friends. 

I am grateful for The Vetter Family and Water Wednesday. Thank you for your unwavering love and support. Time with you and your family was the best. 

I am grateful for The Tokach family for the blue skies, green grass, and black cows. For telling me I was helping work cattle when I was just in the way. Time with you filled my soul and made this cancer journey easier. 

I am grateful to the NDHS rodeo family who supported our boys in their cowboy dreams and our family during a great tragedy. No matter how much time passes, we can pick up as if no time has passed. 

I am grateful for every phone call, text, card, thought and prayer supporting me and my family. 

I am grateful to have shared my life with Marc for 28 years; my sons Tyler (Teshia) and Tanner (Jamie); Parents Mike and Kathy Rudolph; sibling Reg (Tamra), along with their children, Dalton and Dayley; Dennis Kress (late Linda Kress) and special friend, Elaine; sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Jason Kelsch; and many additional cousins and friends that I love dearly. 

Please hold my family in your heart.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, February 6, 2025

5:00 - 6:30 pm (Central time)

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

1143 N 26th St, Bismarck, ND 58501

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Celebration of Life

Friday, February 7, 2025

10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

1143 N 26th St, Bismarck, ND 58501

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