Jean Opdycke Dreher

JEAN OPDYCKE DREHER, passed away in her sleep Wednes-day, Oct. 17, 2007, in Porter ville, Calif. where she spent the last days of her life with her only daughter, Jennifer Dreher Guty. Born Dec. 13, 1922, in Bryan, Ohio, she was the daughter of John Opdycke and Clara (Garver) Opdycke. She was the third of four children. Her bothers include Emerson (deceased), Russell of Stryker, Ohio, and George of Bryan. She attended school in Bryan and then moved to Fort Wayne where she attended Fort Wayne Business School and received an Associates degree in Business. She met her husband, Orville Dreher of Ney, Ohio, in Fort Wayne. She and Orville enjoyed and competed in Western Square Dancing, traveling throughout the United States yearly to compete. Orville passed away in 1975. She was a very accomplished woman. She helped author an addition to the Opdycke Genealogy, a very grueling task. For many years she both planned and was the treasurer for the yearly Opdycke re-union held in North Bryan, Ohio. She was a lifelong member of Fort Wayne CoEd Camera Club, and served as President one term. She received many awards for her outstanding still photographs. She was a world wide traveler, touching parts of every continent, and most countries. She traveled extensively, visiting such tough terrains as India, the mountains of South America, and Africa in her latter years. Many trips were taken with her daughter, Jennifer; her favorite granddaughter, Heidi; and other grandchildren, Matthew Van Vleet of Lansing, Mich., Michael Guty of San Diego, Calif. and Derrick Guty (U.S.M.C.). When not traveling with her family, she traveled extensively with her special friend Paul Waltz. Her and Paul loved cruising different areas of the world including Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska. She especially enjoyed bike riding and walks around the homestead in Bryan with Paul too! They were close companions until she became ill late in 2006. She loved her cats, Tiger and Bootsie who Paul inherited and loves today after her illness. She had a special cat in California too, Tiki. She was an avid member and participant in the Crescent Avenue United Methodist Church of Reverend James Evans. She respected the pastor and his congregation, and was especially thankful to Pastor Evans for his support during her recent major surgery. She enjoyed bible studies and helping with whatever was needed. She was very proud of her Opdycke heritage and was part of a large and ever growing number of Opdycke's in the Ohio/Indiana area and all of those who have moved throughout the U.S. today. She was a special women who showed love and compassion to all she met. She will be truly missed by all, that both knew her and participated with her, in her many pursuits throughout the world. Service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Calling is from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow service in Scheffler's Cemetery, in Bryan, Ohio. All friends are welcome to join us after at the Pulaski Methodist Church. She requests that any memorials be sent to: Pastor James Evans and the Crescent Avenue United Methodist Church of Fort Wayne.