This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Elmer Dreher. Elmer proudly served his country in the United States Army from March 1951 to December 1952. We will remember him forever.

Elmer died Sunday, September 1, 2013, at the Norfolk Veteran’s Home.

Elmer was born at his folk’s home in Grand Island, on July 19, 1931, the son of Michael and Rose (Krings) Dreher. When he was four years old, his family moved to Omaha. He started school at St Bridget’s, where he was confirmed prior to his family returning to Grand Island. He was enrolled in St. Mary’s School and graduated in 1949.

He entered the US Army on March 13, 1951. After his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Elmer received orders to be sent to Korea. Prior to his deployment, Elmer married Mary Schmitt on July 5, 1951, in Lincoln, NE. During his service in Korea, Elmer earned the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars as well as the UN Service Medal. On December 12, 1952, Elmer received his honorable discharge.

Elmer worked for the Hansen Wholesale Company in Grand Island. Later, he became a sale representative the Singer Company. He was promoted to the manager position of his first store in Beatrice, NE, in 1956. Though out his career with Singer the family moved many times including North Platte, Fremont, Lincoln, Kearney, Kansas City, MO, and Norfolk. He left Singer in 1975 after almost 23 years. He then began working for Motorola Communications in the business markets. He was promoted to zone manager. He retired from Motorola in 1989 to go to work for Mid-NE Communications. After two years of service, Elmer decided to take his retirement. He later worked for the local Chevrolet dealer as a courtesy driver and shuttled cars between dealerships.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 62 years, their children and spouses: Peggy and Paul Braden, of Kearney, Mike and Deb Dreher, of Norfolk, Patsy and Jim Davis, of Ravenna, NE, and Paula and Roger Buss, of West Point, NE; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, one sister, Alvera Irvine, of Grand Island, NE.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.