Richard C. "Dick" Dreger's Obituary
Richard C. “Dick” Dreger, age 86, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was born February 4, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI to Carl H. and Flora D. (Townsend) Dreger and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. Dick graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Business Degree from Western Michigan University. Dick was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Cuban Blockade. He was honorably discharged in 1964 as an Officer LTJG. Following discharge, Dick proudly continued serving in the reserves for several years. On June 18, 1966, he married Janet Louise Redenius at Sacred Heart in Muskegon Heights. Dick enjoyed a 50-year career in the Real Estate Profession as the co-partner of Dreger & Wendling Real Estate Company and later as the Closing Agent and President of Vollmer Real Estate. He retired officially in 2022 from Coldwell Banker Woodland-Schmidt. Dick had previously worked as a Purchasing Agent for Wolverine Express in Scottville, but discovered that real estate was his true calling. He was Past President of the Muskegon Board of Realtors, served on many real estate committees, and was a member of the Muskegon Elks. Dick was an avid golfer most of his life and his favorite places to golf were White Lake Golf Club, Oakridge Golf Club, Fruitport Golf Club and Westwind Golf Course. He enjoyed teaching both of his kids to golf when they were young and they spent many days on the golf course together. Dick continued to support children and giving them the opportunity to golf as he was an eager supporter of First Tee-West Michigan. Dick always enjoyed being involved with his children and grandchildren. He coached many baseball, softball, and hockey teams in Roosevelt Park and Norton Shores over the years. He absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was one of their biggest fans and was often cheering for them in the stands at their hockey games and volleyball matches. He was a proud supporter of the Lakeshore Junior Lumberjacks and Mona Shores Volleyball. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 1/2 years, Janet L. Dreger; 2 children, Tom (Kristin) Dreger and their son Cameron, Liz (Cory) Mollema and their children Addison, Cooper and Cayden; 1 brother-in-law, Tom (Carla) Redenius; 3 sisters-in-law, Izzie Preston, Martha (Dave) Brown, Marilyn Redenius; many nieces and nephews and close friends, Dan Nutt, Leon Mazurek, and Jim DeWitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Jeanne Chichester and Nancy Drews, and his in-laws, Melvin and Lucille Redenius. In honoring Dick’s wishes, there will be no public services at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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