Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Russell Dreva Obituary
Stevens Point - Russell "Russ" Dreva, died Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was 76.
Russell was born on November 20, 1944, in Stevens Point, the only child of Edmund and Eunice (Higgins) Dreva. He attended Campus School and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1963. He attended classes at UWSP, UW Stout, and Purdue University.
While at P.J.'s he joined the school band, playing tuba. In the latter part of high school, and for many years after, he played with various local polka bands at weddings, showers, Golden Sand's days, and other places in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
After high school he decided to become a plumber. He worked for Soik Plumbing, Donny Lee Plumbing, and joined Local 778. As a member of the Union, he worked on various local school projects, UWSP projects, the Sentry Building, and Marshfield Clinic. In the 1980's there was an opening with the Wisconsin Technical Schools as an instructor in the plumbing trade. He applied and was hired. Each day he traveled to a different school in the Wisconsin Technical system. He retired from teaching in 2006.
Russ enjoyed life. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and just sitting up north at his cabin looking over the water. He also loved stopping at establishments to enjoy a beer and conversation. He loved to tell stories about his time with the polka bands, people he met, or his experiences growing up.
Russ is survived by his loving partner of 46 years, Katie Smith, who was with him when he died. He is also survived by cousins, and many friends he met throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Due to the Covid virus, no services are planned. A private burial will take place.
If you wish to honor his memory, please take time to turn off your phone and computer and take someone you love out to enjoy nature. Be a good person. Love when you can. Help where you can. Give what you can.
Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Dreva
Sponsored by Pisarski Funeral Home - Stevens Point.
3 Entries
Jerry & Donna Hopp
April 30, 2021
He was a very nice gentleman. Always a smile on his face. Katie prayers to you. We are so sorry to read about Russ. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time. Hugs
Jill Schwebach
April 30, 2021
Katie, am sorry to hear of Rusty passing. Always had a good time with him when we were kids. Even though the only time we saw each other in our later years was at the grocery store, we had some had good conversations with the both of you.He will be greatly missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Tim & Jill Schwebach
Phil J. Janowski
April 30, 2021
My sincere condolences to the loss of Russell. Alot of great memories of Russell when he played his famous tuba with my late father Joseph J Janowski at the Little White Inn, in Stevens Point, WI and at the late Johnny and Jimmy's Rangeline Inn (now Cindy's Rangeline Bar and Grill) in the Town of Dewey, Portage County, WI. What precious memories! I also enjoyed corresponding with Russell about at different construction techniques and building codes among other things at various restaurants, stores and watering holes in the area . Godspeed Russell! May God ( Boze) rest his soul. I will remember him in my prayers. Phillip J. Janowski, Town of Hull (Stevens Point), WI.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Russell Dreva's name
Memorial Events
for Russell Dreva
Funeral services provided by:
Pisarski Funeral Home - Stevens Point703 Second Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
How to support Russell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Russell Dreva's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
