Janet Louise Dreger

Janet Louise "Jan" Dreger, age 83, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Jan was born on October 27, 1942, in Muskegon to Melvin and Lucille (Claeys) Redenius and lived most of her life in the Muskegon area. She was a graduate of Muskegon Catholic Central High School, Class of 1960, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Jan began her teaching career at St. Jean's Catholic School and Jolman Elementary. She spent the majority of her 32-year career at Ravenna Public Schools, retiring in 2001. Teaching was more than a profession for Jan-it was a calling, and she touched the lives of countless students over the years. On June 18, 1966, Jan married Richard "Dick" Dreger, and together they shared 58½ years of marriage before his passing. Jan was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to its closing, where she served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a religious education instructor. Over the years Jan enjoyed spring break trips to the couple's condominium in Florida and was always happy to meet friends or family for lunch or coffee. She loved cheering on the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Nothing, however, brought her greater joy than attending the sporting events of her children and, later, her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. They will forever cherish memories of trips to Florida, Michigan's Adventure, Duck Lake, Chuck E. Cheese, and afternoons at the park when they were little. As the kids grew older, Jan treasured special outings shopping or to dinner-especially the one on one time she shared with Addison and Cameron. If the kids wanted to go anywhere, Grandma Jan's answer was always the same: "OK!" She was their biggest fan in every sense of the word. She loved watching Cooper and Cayden play hockey when they were young and, in recent years, could always be found cheering loudly for Addison and her Mona Shores volleyball team or for Cameron and the Reeths Puffer hockey team. Whether in the stands, on the court, or at the rink, Grandma Jan was always there-smiling, clapping, and beaming with pride. Everyone knew how proud she was of her grandchildren, and she made sure they knew it too. Jan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include 2 children, Tom (Kristin) Dreger and their son, Cameron; Liz (Cory) Mollema and their children, Addison, Cooper, and Cayden; 1 brother, Tom (Carla) Redenius; 2 sisters, Marie "Izzie" Preston, and Martha Brown; 1 sister-in-law Marilyn Redenius, and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly and cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Dreger on December 29, 2024; her parents; 1 brother, Charles Redenius; 1 nephew, Ben Redenius; and 2 brothers-in law, Larry Preston and Dave Brown. In honoring Jan's wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com