Kress, Rob

WXYZ: TV news weathercaster.

Died: September 28, 2024.

“Rob Kress, a cherished meteorologist, devoted family man, and passionate musician, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Born on October 4, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa, Rob’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone he met throughout his remarkable 77 years. Rob’s professional life was marked by his dedication to the community as a trusted meteorologist for WXYZ-TV Channel 7, where he worked from 1977 until his retirement in 1993. His calming presence and reliable forecasts made him a beloved figure in many households. His passion for the weather was only matched by his commitment to his colleagues, and the many friendships he cultivated during his career.” – Read Complete Obituary from Chas. Venheyden Funeral Home (PDF Version)

Rob Kress – WXYZ-TV Weatherman.  Background is from the Southfield, Michigan, studios facing north.

“As I recall, just for history’s sake, Rob was Roy Orbison’s drummer for a time. I know he had a rock ‘n roll background with some of the greats!” – Erik Smith – Facebook

• Great Memory from WXYZ Holiday Past

  During Channel Seven’s Prime Years

  Bell Ringers in order:
  Marilyn Turner, John Kelly, Doris Biscoe, Bill Bonds. Guy Gordon, Diana Lewis, Erik Smith, Rob Kress, Robbie Timmons, Bill Bonds, Mike Holfeld, Dave Lewallen, Frank Turner, Bill Bonds

• WXYZ Promo – Tell ’em you are from Detroit

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  Bill Bonds, Doris Biscoe-Bailey, Rob Kress, Diana Lewis, Steve Gargiola, John Kelly, Marilyn Turner, Jay Berry, Jerry Hodak, Rich Fisher, Dayna Eubanks

  Check out how the music track played in other cities:

  This American Life

Recommended Reading

WYXIE Wonderland: An Unauthorized 50-Year Diary of WXYZ Detroit by Dick Osgood and Martin Grams Jr.

WYXIE WONDERLAND by Dick Osgood is possibly the first comprehensive exploration into the inner workings of a broadcasting enterprise. Fifty years of national radio and television history, from 1925 to 1975, are reflected in the fundamental and accidental specifics of a single station — WXYZ, Detroit — AM, FM and TV.

WXYZ was more than just the birthplace of The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, and Sgt. Preston of the Yukon. It was the starting point of investigative journalist Mike Wallace, comedian Soupy Sales, actors John Hodiak and Danny Thomas. This extraordinary book traces the beginnings of five networks; the rise and decline of radio network programming. It sees the radio actor replaced by the disc jockey. WYXIE Wonderland explains how the scandal of radio payola grew out of the discovery of rigged TV quiz programs. It tells of a sound created in Texas that revolutionized radio, and how the Top 40 format emerged from a bar in Omaha.

WXYZ influenced American culture — and sometimes it was American culture.

“Whether you are a fan of The Lone Ranger or old-time radio in general, this is one of the dozen essentials for your bookshelf.” — Martin Grams, Jr., Pop culture historian, from the introduction.