Harold Dreeze

1920 - 2012

BORN

1920

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Reeb Funeral Home

5712 North Main Street

Sylvania, Ohio

Harold Dreeze Obituary

(NEWS ARTICLE) World War II veteran Harold "Hal" Dreeze, who completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Toledo 48 years after his studies were interrupted by his service in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater, died Thursday at the Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek in Springfield Township.

He was 92 and died of natural causes, said his son Ken.

Mr. Dreeze was employed by Owens-Illinois Inc. as a draftsman in the glass container division for 43 years, retiring in 1982.

One of his primary tasks there was designing glass containers for Avon products, including fragrance bottles in the shapes of everyday objects that are sought after by collectors.

"He enjoyed his work immensely," his son Ken said. "Owens-Illinois was a very good company to work for."

As a youth, Mr. Dreeze enjoyed playing softball, and he continued to play on the O-I company team, said his son, who also played ball with a youth team the company established.

Mr. Dreeze was born Nov. 3, 1920, in Toledo to Elmer and Mabel Steuwe Dreeze.

He graduated from Libbey High School in 1938 and joined O-I a year later. He attended the University of Toledo until he was drafted in 1942.

Mr. Dreeze was an intelligence officer with the Army Air Corps, stationed in Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands. He participated in the air offensive against Japan as well as other campaigns.

His son said Mr. Dreeze was not part of a flight crew, but worked from the base. He left the Army as a sergeant and returned to his job with O-I.

Mr. Dreeze met his future wife, Bonita Crouse, in another division of the company and they were married in 1954. That marriage ended in divorce.

In 1968, he married Judith Brott, who survives. He married a third time, to Helen Robinson on May 2, 1992; she died in July, 2010.

After retiring from O-I, Mr. Dreeze took up a new career as a guard at the Toledo Museum of Art, where he spent 13 years. He retired from the museum in 2003.

"He really enjoyed that job. He was friends with everybody there," Ken Dreze said.

He also completed his degree work at the University of Toledo, receiving a bachelor's degree in history in 1990 at age 70.

In April, 2012, Mr. Dreeze joined other World War II veterans on an Honor Flight, after two years on the waiting list.

"He was really touched to go on that flight," said his son, who escorted his father on the one-day trip. "He had a very memorable time. He said he got more of a welcome coming back to Toledo than he did when he returned home from the war."

He was a longtime member of Olivet Lutheran Church and served as an usher, his son said.

He was a member of American Legion Post 335, the University of Toledo Alumni Association, the Owens-Illinois Golden Emblem Club, and the Sylvania Senior Center.

He was an avid golfer, a bowler, and he took up cross-country skiing when in his late 60s.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling in his motor home with his wife, Helen.

Surviving are his sons, Ken, Thomas, and Martin; daughters Kim Rosin and Wendy Bub; 10 grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday, with viewing an hour before, at Olivet Lutheran Church, Sylvania.

Memorials are suggested to Olivet Lutheran Church.

Contact Jim Sielicki at: [email protected] or 614-724-6050.

Published by The Blade on Dec. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Dreeze

Not sure what to say?





11 Entries

To Ken Dreeze & Family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. God Speed. Brenda Carter Cipiti

December 30, 2012

Family of Harold Dreeze:
I got to know Harold at OI. He was one of the most positive, pleasant, and happiest person I have ever met. Our lives were blessed to have known him. We will see him again.

Janet

December 27, 2012

I had the great pleasure to work with Harold at the Tech Center Pilot Plant for 10 years. We also saw him out side of the work place. My wife and I would always make time for a breakfast or lunch with Harold on our visits back to Toledo. Harold was by far the best boss that I have ever worked for. We got our job done but had time for a laugh or two along the way. Harold was that rare person you meet along lives journey that you never forget what a special person they are. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing and will remember him as a good friend who will be dearly missed.

Rod and Carol Steele

December 27, 2012

To Hal's Family: Hal will be missed sorry Ron and I can not make it to Sylvania this afternoon because of the weather, our prayers are with you , we were Hal and Helens neighbor for 15 + years. Ron and Joan Swartz

December 26, 2012

I worked with Hal at the art museum. He will be sadly missed but remembered with much love and joy. A hero once known is never forgotten. May God be with you and provide comfort and grace.

dave davison

December 25, 2012

Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours. Blessed he was with such a large and caring family. Perhaps one day someone will tell a story that makes you smile, you will know he is still with you.

Chuck & Lori Stein

December 24, 2012

To Ken & family, I was so sad to read that your father & grandfather had passed. From everything I have heard and read he was an amazing man you should be proud to have had him as your father & grandfather. I am very sorry he has passed, but thankful to hear all the memories you have had over the years. May he rest in peace. Take care all of you!!
God Bless,

Barb Zaborski & family

Barb Zaborski

December 24, 2012

Dear Family:

I worked with your dad at OI years ago and was always impressed by his humor and demeanor. A nicer guy could never be found. Years later, after leaving OI, I saw him at the Art Museum; we spoke of the "old times"with fond memories and laughter.

He will be missed by many.

Bill Grinonneau
Tucson,AZ

December 22, 2012

It was an honor and privilege to know and care for Hal. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.

Carole Smith
Comfort Keepers

December 22, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of your love one I send you my deepest condolences so may you continue to find peace and comfort during this time and may our Creator give you peace.

RH

December 22, 2012

Dreeze Family,I know it is a loss of lossing Harold,but may the many years of memories comfort you ahead in the days to come and remember that you are loved by our Creator.

CT

December 22, 2012

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