Kenneth L. Dresser Jr.

Kenneth Leland Dresser, Jr., 80, of Lodi, passed away on June 28, 2024, at Rochester General Hospital, after an extended illness.

Ken was born on March 14, 1944, in Geneva, N.Y., the firstborn son of Kenneth and Esther (Cooley) Dresser.  He graduated from Interlaken Central High School in 1962 and married Connie (Champion) Dresser on September 28, 1963.

After graduation he worked for Sylvania Electric and farmed part-time until becoming a full-time welder/ machinist for the Seneca Army Depot. Ken also served as Lodi Town Constable and as a deputy Sheriff for Seneca County.  When the Seneca Army Depot ultimately closed, Ken decided to work fulltime for himself, as the owner/ operator of Dresser Construction, which he continued for many years.

Blessed with an inventive mind, Ken also enjoyed woodworking, building model planes, metal fabrication and fixing anything that he found broken. He also played the guitar and was an avid fisherman. Ken was a ‘jack of all trades’, but unlike the adage, he was truly a master of all.

Those closest to him likely learned firsthand that he was also a dedicated prankster and had a mischievous streak.  Ken loved to share the stories of his past shenanigans.

He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Esther Dresser, and brothers, Gary and David Dresser.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Connie, daughter Sheryl (Thomas) Cruger, and sons Kenneth III (Kristina), Christopher (Tracy) and Jeremiah (Amanda) Dresser; his grandchildren Holly, Kayla, Coleton, Jaylen, Hailey, Hayden, Derek, Natalie, McKenzie and great grandson, Amaris. He is also survived by siblings Susan (Roger) Austin, Mark (Linda) Dresser, Cindy (Ross) Woodard, Carol and Jeffrey Dresser, sisters-in law, Viola Coney and Phyllis Champion, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for August 10, 2024, at the home of Kenneth and Kristina Dresser, 8699 State Route 89, Interlaken, with hours for the public from 1 pm to 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made in his memory to the Lodi Volunteer Fire Department or to South Seneca Ambulance.