grave import

Obituary

Mr. Wyatt Isaac Crees, 83, of Burlington, died at 7:40 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2011, at Great River Medical Center-Klein Center. Born September 24, 1927, in Adalissa, Iowa, he was the son of Thomas and Emma Haack Crees. He married Deloris Swailes Thye in Burlington. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2002. Mr. Crees attended West Liberty High School. As a teenager he became a member of the Merchant Marines, stationed in Sheepshead, New York, and served in Italy and Africa. He then joined the Army and was stationed in Presidio, California, and was a World War II veteran. Mr. Crees received his training in auto body repair in Chicago. He opened a shop in West Branch, then in Marshalltown, and after moving to Burlington operated Wyatt's Body Shop and Frame. He enjoyed Big Band music, and was a member of a dance group as well as Loyal Order of Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles. In his younger years he had enjoyed flying and had owned private airplanes. He enjoyed playing guitar, motorcycles and traveling, owning a touring motorcycle which he and his wife took many trips on. In his retirement, he was a volunteer at Klein Center. He attended the Church of the Open Bible. Survivors include three children, Cheri Thy of Maquoketa, Timothy Thye of Sperry, and Connie (Jeff) Stewart of Burlington; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Bonita Petersen of Mesa, Arizona, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, and one sister. According to Mr. Crees' wishes, there will be no visitation or service, and cremation has been accorded. A privatae family graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice.