Russel Henry Dressel

New Iberia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 24, 2017, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Iberia, for Russel "Mr. D." Henry Dressel, 81, who passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017, in New Iberia. Rev. Bill Melancon will be the Celebrant. A gathering of family and friends will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sunday, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM led by the Men's Rosary Group. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia. A lifelong resident of New Iberia, Russel Henry Dressel was born on February 24, 1936 to the late Otto and Eunice Richard Dressel. He retired from the Iberia Parish School Board after teaching at Loreauville High School for 33 years, where he also coached girls' basketball and softball. He was affectionately known as "Mr. D" by all of his students. Mr. Dressel served in the National Guard for 36 years, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of Louisiana Teachers' Association, Louisiana National Guard Association, and Louisiana Coaches' Association. Russel was an avid sports fan, and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. Mr. Dressel is survived by a daughter, Robin Dressel of New Iberia, LA; son, Kavin J. Dressel and wife Sandy of New Iberia; daughter-in-law, Priscilla Tate Dressel of Broussard; brothers, Terrel P. Dressel, Sr. and wife Juliette of New Iberia, and Alton D. Dressel and wife Greta of Delcambre; nine grandchildren, Kendall Dressel, Jr., Katie Dressel, Brian Dressel, Hillary Champagne, Robert L. Camors, Lori Marks, Annie Viator, Adam Marks, Chelsey Capdeboscq; and seven great-grandchildren, Sophie Bourg, Gabrielle Bourg, Avery Dark, Hailey Viator, Heidi Viator, Andrew Marks, Corbin Marks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Dressel; son, Kendall Dressel, Sr.; brother, Gerald Dressel; and niece, Leslie Dressel. Pallbearers will be Alton Dressel, Terrel Dressel Sr., Kavin Dressel, Kendall Dressel Jr., Brian Dressel, and Robert Camors. Honorary pallbearers will be Dustin, Brodie, and Terrel, Dressel, Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 301 E. St. Peter St., New Iberia, LA 70560; or Cancer Center of Acadiana, 1211 Coolidge, Ste. 100, Lafayette, LA 70503. Pellerin Funeral Home of New Iberia, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.