William Gress

William L. “Bill” Gress, 72, of Twin Falls, passed away March 7, 2013 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.

He was born on March 17, 1940 in Hardin, the son of William J. and Marie Oliver Gress.

On April 12, 1961, in Helena, Bill married the love of his life ,Margie Strickland. Together they owned and operated the Ol’ River Bridge Inn in Columbia Falls. He enjoyed playing music and entertaining his patrons. They operated the inn for 25 years, then moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., to build the Montana Steak House. After operating that restaurant for eight years, they transitioned to Twin Falls, opening another Montana Steak House. Together they operated that until Bill’s passing.

Bill enjoyed boating, cooking, fishing and telling stories of his escapades. He never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His passion and gift was his music. He played the rhythm guitar and bass guitar, entertaining many throughout the years. He play in clubs with many country legends, such as Merle Haggard, Ferlin Husky and Ernest Tubbs, to name only a few.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeannie and his brother James.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years Margie; daughters Jeannie Cheff and husband David, of Columbia Falls, Jacque Corbett and her companion Jeff Burgett, of Twin Falls, and Jari Jo Nelson and husband Kash, of Alberta, Canada; son Robert Gress, of Buhl, Idaho; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters Lilli Ann Martin and Betty Lou Armstrong; and brother Benjamin Gress.

The family held a celebration of life honoring Bill’s life on March 11, 2013, at the Montana Steak House in Twin Falls. In the spring, the family will hold another celebration in Columbia Falls.