David James Kresge, 62, of Helena, Montana, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 31, 2025, following a courageous and faith-filled battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his wife and devoted children, the very people who defined his life and purpose.
Dave was born on September 12, 1963, in Helena, Montana, and was raised in the small mountain town of Wickes. The youngest of seven children, he was born to Theodore and Rachel Kresge and grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the great outdoors. As a young man, Dave found freedom and joy roaming the mountains on his dirt bike, hunting, and fishing—passions that stayed with him throughout his life.
He graduated from Jefferson High School, and not long after, met the love of his life, Kristi. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and unwavering dedication to family. Their greatest blessing was raising their six children, who were the center of Dave’s world and remain his greatest legacy.
Dave was the definition of a family man and one of the hardest workers you could ever know. He spent long days providing for his family, yet always found time to savor life’s simple joys. His tireless work ethic made it possible for his family to share annual vacations—moments filled with laughter, togetherness, and memories that will be cherished forever.
When he wasn’t working, Dave poured his heart into time with those he loved. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, bowling and shooting pool alongside his wife, helping his children with school projects, and proudly cheering his children on in every activity they pursued. As his children grew and started families of their own, life changed—but Dave’s joy only deepened. Pontoon rides, camping trips, and the cherished title of “Papa” became some of his greatest treasures.
Dave faced life’s hardest trials with remarkable strength and faith. In 2010, he began his first battle with brain cancer and emerged a living miracle, blessed with 15 more meaningful years. In 2024, cancer returned more aggressively in another part of his brain. After a brave 13-month fight, his earthly journey came to an end. Though Dave was not ready to stop living life to the fullest, God’s plans were greater. His faith never wavered, and his love never failed.
Dave leaves behind his beloved wife, Kristi Kresge; his children Nicole Wenzel (Seth), Erica Altringer (Greg), Kelli Widhalm (Matt), Alyssa Feuerstein (Austin), Brianna Kresge (Jesse), and Dylan Kresge (Casey); and his 13 grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Ezra, Saylah, Tanner, Tenley, Cameron, Maycie, Tayva, Blayke, Levi, Eden, and Charley, with two more precious grandchildren on the way. He is also survived by his sisters Madeline Cottrill (Jim), Maxine Fournier, Marlene Platt (Rod), Mickie Bulkley (Ron), Mary Elwood, and brother Ted Kresge (Julie), along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Theodore Kresge, mother Rachel Kresge, Butch Fournier, and his beloved son Kristofer, whom Dave and Kristi lost at 20 weeks gestation.
Dave lived a life marked by dignity, devotion, and deep love. He was a husband, father, papa, brother, and friend whose presence made life better for all who knew him. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and his eternal life has begun.
Until we meet again— you are loved beyond measure.
Come join David’s family in a celebration of his life scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026 from Echo Church, 2210 Dodge Avenue Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 31, 2026
Echo Church
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday January 31, 2026
Echo Church
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Maxine Fournier says
What a beautiful tribute to the most loving brother I could have . I know you’re in Jesus arms with no pain or suffering. You’ve been the light of all our lives . I’ll see you soon my dear Brother .🙏🙏❤️
Darlene Abeya says
Yes, that was a wonderful tribute to your brother Dave. He was well loved by all his family and that is the greatest thing. A person can have. He is with the Lord and no longer has cancer in heaven. God bless all his family for being so close to him and loving him so much
Darlene Abeyta
Bridget (Gray) Disburg says
I am so sorry for your loss. 🙏
Cliff and Jacki Huff says
God’s Blessings to you Kristi and family Dave was an awesome man
Audrey Kelly says
Kristi, thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Dave was always so kind and such an amazing husband and dad. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers.
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry about Dave. Dave was my classmate. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Kathleen (Stevens), Keith and Kory Broussard
[email protected] says
Dear family, Dave was the best ever. I am proud to call him a friend. Much love Kristi 7th
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
Brianna, Jesse and Family. So sorry for your loss. May you have many happy memories with you always.
Scott Connole says
Thoughts and prayers to the Kresge family. Dave was an incredible man and will dearly be missed.
Ted Polette says
My deepest sympathy to the Kresge family.
Janice Gulley says
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family ~ Dave was an Amazing Man … I am Honored I got to know him 🪽
Katie & Dennis says
We got to know Dave and he was such a nice man. Always friendly to us. I’m glad we got to know him.
Bob George says
RIP, Dave. I am sorry to be reading this, as I have not seen Dave for several months. I had heard he wasn’t well as of late, and hoped that I would get to see him soon. I went to school with him and have known him for almost 50 years. He was a great guy, and will be missed.
David & Michelle says
We have kown Dave and the Kresge family for more then 20 years living just down the road and having our kids go to school with there’s. He will be missed. Prayers for Gods grace and peace for Kristi and the Family.
Barb Hamlin says
Kristi and family, my heart hurts for your loss of Dave. I never saw him when he didn’t have a smile on his face. He was an amazing family man. I know he will be deeply missed by everyone. I know he’ll be remembered and never forgotten in your memories ❤️.
Sheila Levins says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Dave’s loved ones. He is now in the most peaceful place ever where suffering does not exist. He will be watching over all of you from a Greater Place Above. My sincere condolences.
Jodi DeMers says
Sending love and prayers to Dave’s family, I worked with Dave at Home Depot years ago and he was always so kind and helpful. Enjoyed visiting with him at family gatherings and other community events. Dave will be missed.
Amanda says
Oh I am so sorry to hear this, prayers to the family and Kristi and his Children. He was a wonderful man.
Michelle Muro says
I am so sorry for your loss, Dave was truly an amazeing man to work with and to know. He was a great friend. Sending you all prayers during this time. RIP my friend. It was great to know you.
Doubek Maureen says
I’m sorry for you and your family. I remember your family used to be always around you. I worked at Village Inn Pizza and saw you and your family. Often my prayers are with you.
Maureen Doubek
Jeff Clark says
Well wishes for all of you who knew and loved him most. David is surely missed by you and so many others and us cousins. We all have fond childhood memories of our times together at Wickes, hiking, fishing, sledding and blowing off fireworks. May he rest in peace.
Teresa Anderson says
Kristi and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Dave was a very kind man. I worked with him at Albertsons and he always had a smile on his face. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Rich Fetters says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Chris Bulkley says
So sorry for your loss, I have a lot of memories of uncle David, I still have the little 2 point buck antlers he gave me when I was really little. When ever I went into Home Depot I would look for him just so I could visit with him for a few minutes. Kristi, you and your kids are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Craig says
So sorry. Dave was such an amazing guy.
Tara Ferriter says
Dave was always so warm and welcoming. He loved his family so much. I gave find memories of camping at the lake with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Ted and Dave and Kristi would visit. Rest in peace cousin.
Kryss says
Just love the family he created. You all are a true testament to his life. He is quite a lucky man to have all you ladies in his life. God Bless and tons of loves!
Tracy Wood says
My fondest memory of Uncle Dave was when I was about 5 or 6 and we were living with Grandma and Grandpa and he gave me a ride on his dirt bike in Wickes. We went up a very steep hill and I felt myself slipping off of the back of the bike so I clenched my legs tighter on the bike and burned my leg on the tailpipe. I didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid I wouldn’t be allowed to go for rides with him anymore and it was so much fun! He must have been 18 or 19 at the timr. I looked up to him so much. He was so loving, caring, and always so positive. He was an amazing person and he will be missed by so many. I’m so sorry he left us so soon, but I’m glad he’s no longer suffering.
S Elwood says
I’m deeply saddened by David’s passing. From the sidelines I watched him grow from his childhood to a husband and beloved father. He greeted life’s responsibilities with open arms and dedication … always willing to lend a hand to whomever needed it. I’ll think of him often.
Kim Countryman says
Kristi, I am so saddened to learn of the loss of Dave. What a tremendous loss, my heart breaks for you & your family. I must have been about 15 when I first met you guys. Sending lots of love & hugs. You are all in my thoughts & prayers 💟
Sandra Grace McLaughlin says
Larry and I are sending our Love and strength to you. My memories are a little further back when we played baseball on a home made field in Wicks. (I was always last one chosen;) It was always a great time and cousins are the best. Larry had the opportunity to work with David at Albertsons. He would come home and say what a great man David was to work with. My husband worked for Eddy’s/Sweetheart and David was meat cutter. We live in Missoula so all of our visits were with our children and each others family sorry to say. We think of you with a smile on our faces and a heavy heart. Rest in Peace David.
Les Clark says
I too have many fond memories of his kindness and expressions of love for his family.
Peace be with you all on the passing of this fine man.
Scott Bulkley says
Kresge Family,
I am very sad at the loss of Uncle David. Whenever our family visited Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle David would take us kids on motorcycle rides up behind the house. He showed me a place where there were trapdoor spiders, and they made cone shaped holes in the dirt. He also was the best hider when the cousins all got together for hide and seek. The only time I remember finding him was when he hid on the garage roof and a bug flew into his mouth and he was worried because he swallowed a bug. I remember hunting stories about him getting his first big bull, and somebody getting to it first and tagging it. I remember him finding old blasting caps and creating new fuses,(with the help of Grandpa), I remember so many things from my childhood that include Uncle David and I will never forget any of those moments. He was a very special person, and I wish I had not let life get in the way and visited him when we were in town. Everyone who met him was lucky for that opportunity, and he will be missed greatly, but he will always live on in all of our wonderful memories of him. Please take care of yourselves, and remember all of the great things Uncle David was to all of us.