Dellas Kresl

Dellas Emil Kresl

It is with great sadness that the family of Dellas Emil Kresl announces his passing on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at his home in Washougal, Washington. Del's entire family was with him during his final journey.

Del was born on September 4, 1930 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Emil and Lillian Kresl. He attended St. Michael's School and graduated from St. James High school in 1948. He enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War. He married Rosena Diffley in 1953 in San Francisco, California.

In 1959 Del and Rosena packed up their then three children and moved back to Grand Forks to manage the family owned Riviera Restaurant and Lounge with his Father Emil. In 1968, he opened Del's Coffee Shop then later The Beanery and Concession Stand in the South Forks Plaza Mall. He was also one of the owners of the Roller Rink where they held weekend dances.

Del owned several race horses over the years including 'Yet Time' who raced in the Minnesota Derby. He and Rosena had many trips to Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona. The horse business was fun and exciting for Del, Rosena and the entire family.

He was a member of the North Dakota Hospitality Association and served as its president from 1977-1978, as well as being active in the Elk's Club and the American Legion.

After 40 years he sold 'Del's Coffee Shop' and Del and Rosena moved to Washougal, Washington to be closer to his family, where all family and friends gathered on a regular basis. The Christmas dinner often hosted their six children, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and close friends. The home has always been a welcoming place for all and a very special place for Del, the more the merrier.

As all who knew Del know, he loved to visit and tell stories, one of his many talents which all enjoyed. The stories have been memorialized by the children so that his stories will continue for decades to come. Please remember Del and smile as you remember those stories, he would love it.

He is survived by Rosena, his wife of 66 years, their six children, Ron (Joe Conigliaro), Karen (Gary Zabel), Jeff (Kirsten VanVoorhis), Mike (Shelly Dyer), John (Julie Hemmah), Kathleen (Heather Duffet), and his sister Rita (Dick Michaeltz). He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and Ron, and his sister Doris Norell.

Services will be held at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Camas, WA on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please share a gift with the St. Joseph's Lakota children at http://www.stjo.org/flowers.