Paul H. Dreger

Paul Dreger grew up in Roseland, IL, in the 1930s and 1940s. He played football for Pullman Tech High School and went on to serve one tour as an MP in Korea during the War. He married Ginger in 1955. They started their life together in Champaign while Paul attended the University of Illinois, earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Certificate, focusing on Physical Education. They moved to Erie, IL, where Paul began his coaching career and they started their family. In 1960, they relocated to Worth, bringing their sons, Mike and Jim, and were joined in 1969 by daughter Laura.

Paul’s professional life was spent at Oak Lawn High School, where he taught Physical Education and some years, Math and Science. He also coached the Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Teams.

At home, he continued his love for activity, teaching trampoline and ice skating to the neighborhood children, and taking his family fishing, biking, and canoeing all over the country and Canada. He continued his passion for fitness and competition into his senior years, gathering an impressive collection of medals from Senior Olympics.

He earned his Private Pilot’s License in 1985 and spent many happy flight-hours among the clouds. And in 2016, he and Laura joined Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, visiting Memorials in Washington D.C., an experience he greatly enjoyed.

Paul was a quietly generous man, “alley junking” bike parts to convert to working bikes that he then donated to local churches for kids and adults who needed them. He built and operated the Spin Art Machines for Good Shepherd Manor’s Fall Festival (in Manteno, IL, on the second Saturday of September – Go visit!), and helping to maintain the Archery Equipment for Cub Scout Day Camp where he also served many years as an archery instructor.

He passed quietly on Aug 18, 2026, at the age of 95.

He is survived by sons Mike (Lorene), Jim (Vicki), and daughter Laura Dreger. Grandchildren Brent Dreger (Brittney), Amber Lawrence (Keith), James Dreger, Jr., and Josh Hayes. Great-Grandchildren Wesley and Lance Dreger (sons of Brent & Brittney), and Parker, Calie, and Mya Lawrence (daughters of Amber & Keith).

Paul was one of 14 children born to Henry and Caroline Dreger and is also survived by many nieces and nephews who never really knew whether he was joking or being serious.

He will be missed by all and remembered often.

The family would like to encourage everyone to attend the GSM Fall Festival where Mom and Dad volunteered every year. The event is free, and supports some really sweet, deserving men. GSM's 35th Annual Fall Festival - Good Shepherd Manor - Momence, IL