George Leslie Dreher

Dreher, George Leslie

George Dreher died Tuesday, June 3, 2014 in Janesville, Wisconsin at the age of 87. He was born on March 24, 1927 in Evansville, Wisconsin to Elma Maybelle (Hollibush) and Phillip Frederick Dreher. He completed his high school studies at Evansville High School in June of 1945, and enlisted in the United States Navy just before his graduation. He received an Honorable Discharge in December 1945 following a serious illness.

George married his high school sweetheart Lucille Wolfe on August 23, 1947 in Delavan, Wisconsin. He graduated from Marquette University, Milwaukee in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1950 he began working for the Beloit Iron Works specializing in fine paper machines, and retired from the Beloit Corporation in 1986. During his employment at the Beloit Corporation he applied for and was granted four patents for his design work on the paper machines.

George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 67 years Lucille Catherine Dreher; daughter Chris (Mark) Owings, son Frederick (Elizabeth) Dreher; grandchildren Luke (Monica) Owings, Anne Owings Morrison, Katharine (Nickolas) Miller, Kristine Dreher, Danielle Dreher, and Benjamin Dreher; great-grandchildren Conor Morrison, Liam Morrison, Rowan Morrison, Avery Owings and Caden Owings; brother Thomas (Nadene) Dreher; three nieces, two nephews, and their families. George was preceded in death by his son Steven (Sarah) Dreher and sisters Margaret Peckham and Phyllis Dreher.

George was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Beloit and for many, many years served in a variety of ways. He was active in their Boy Scout troop, was a member of the school board, was often a deacon and served on many church or school committees as needed.

As a member of the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association, George was an accomplished artist and he participated in workshops/exhibits, consistently winning recognitions and awards for his art work. He worked in various art forms—oil and watercolor painting, pen & ink drawing, silverpoint drawing, wood carving, stone carving—and extended his creativity to making furniture. As a member and tutor of the Janesville Literacy Council’s writers group, he wrote and illustrated numerous stories for new adult readers, also winning special awards for his creative work. His talents extended to binding his own books.

He worked over the years to diligently research and compile his family genealogy, which included several trips to eastern states to interview extended family members. In his retirement he enjoyed being a volunteer at the Rock County Historical Society. George was endlessly curious and an avid reader, especially interested in Civil War, Wisconsin, and Native American history. He took pleasure in hiking, camping, canoeing and just being outdoors. A quiet, humble man, George most of all took delight in the company and accomplishments of his family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2014 at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1000 Bluff St. in Beloit from 9AM until the time of service at 11AM. The Reverend Jonah Burakowski officiating. Private family burial will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville, Wi. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Organ Fund in Beloit, Wi. in George’s memory.

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