Germaine Erdmann
February 2, 2023
My sincere sympathy to all of Bill's family. I had only seen him a few times at Bert & Marge Dreps Christmas parties. We were cousins in common with Betty Steil.
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William “Bill” Dreps, age 69, of Sheboygan passed away Wednesday evening January 25, 2023. Bill was born July 28, 1953 to the late Hilbert and Lois (Papendieck) Dreps. Bill attended Sheboygan schools and graduated from South High School. He was a carpenter, building residential homes in his earlier years and then commercial buildings in Milwaukee. Bill retired in 2011, but continued to acquire and operate several rental properties, and enjoyed having a vacation rental on VRBO.
Bill enjoyed wilderness canoe tripping and guided annual adventures in Canada for many years with friends and family. Bill also enjoyed applying his carpentry skills to wooden boat building. He built several canoes and kayaks and then began sharing that passion with youth through the Sea Scouts program at the yacht club. Most of all Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his sons Bryan (Anja) Dreps of Sheboygan, and Michael (Vanessa) Behrens of Arbor Vitae, grandchildren Eleanora and Magnolia Dreps, Henry and Douglas Behrens, brothers and sisters Bob (Betty Koehl) Dreps of Madison, Kathy (Art) Bohn of Sheboygan, Jenny Dreps of Florida and Joseph Dreps of Sheboygan.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Dreps and his step-mother Marge.
Family and friends may gather at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th Street on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12:00 p.m. Burial to follow in the Calvary Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
Visitation
Date: Thursday Feb 2, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: St. Peter Claver Catholic Church [map]
Funeral Mass
Date: Thursday Feb 2, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: St. Peter Claver Catholic Church [map]
Guestbook Entries SIGN GUESTBOOK
Erica & Nick Wray
February 2, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. He was a wonderful neighbor - keeping on eye on things, helping us if needed, and caring about our children. He always had a smile to share when we passed by, as well as friendly chat and photos/anecdotes about his own family. We’re very thankful for his kindness.
Nanette Bulebosh
February 1, 2023
My deepest condolences to all of Bill's loved ones. He came into the Limelight Pub when I worked there in 2020 and 2021. I didn't know him well, but well enough to be impressed with and inspired by, his huge and generous heart.
He was always full of stories about the Sea Scouts and, especially, his grandchildren. It was clear he loved them deeply. His face lit up when he talked how much fun they had unwrapping and reading the books he was always finding for them.
And how could one not be inspired by the many hours he spent teaching Sheboygan youth how to build boats? There was such pride in his voice. He was so happy to be able to share his skills and knowledge with them. Lucky kids, all of them, to have had that time with Bill Dreps.
There's a very famous quote about how your station in life or how much money you make won't mean a hill of beans in 100 years, but "the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child."
Bill was important in the lives of a great many children. His kindness and generous heart will live on in them. And the world is better for it.
I am grateful to have met him.
Jim and Mary Jo Fuhry
February 1, 2023
We really enjoyed having Bill next door to our and our daughter's family house. Many friendly chats about carpentry, sailing, beer, sheepshead, neighborhood gossip, etc. He was proud of his family houses and kayaks. I found it easier to do things his way difficult to convince him otherwise. Always good fun. RIP
Mike Smyth
February 1, 2023
Bryan,
I'm so sorry you've lost your father -- a dad who was charmed by your little smiling face, proud of your adult accomplishments, happy to tell one and all your latest news. A dad who canoed you off into wilderness adventures few other boys had, giving you so many unique memories. A dad who became a grandpa and delighted yours and Anya's kids. May your hearts mend. May he rest in peace.
Mike Smyth
Mark E Delker
January 29, 2023
Bill was significant influence in my childhood. My condolences and he will be remembered.
JoAnne Hayon
January 28, 2023
Wendi Alar
January 27, 2023
Bill was a kind man & will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Bill worke along side my husband Steve for many years & Steve cherishes his memories of their time together ❤️
Sara a olsen
January 27, 2023
So sorry to hear of bill's passing parying for the dreps family 🙏🙏🙏
Ken Moehling
January 27, 2023
Just chatting with Bill a bit last week on messenger. I knew he’d been battling cancer but he didn’t let on that it was maybe getting. worst. A good man with great morals, wish there we’re more like him. I will miss him, So Sorry for your loss
Jake Dreps
January 27, 2023
Best canoe trips ever!
Dave Schmidt
January 27, 2023
Ouch, so sorry to hear of Bill's loss. Very much enjoyed his company. I'm in Florida, otherwise I'd attend the service. No doubt other friends will be there.
Charysse Gregorash
January 27, 2023
Bill was a great and helpful friend. He was there for me many times when I needed a friend, a little help here and there, and just to laugh and hang out. Just thought about calling him on Thursday as it had been a while. He was a good soul, loved his kids and grandkids and loved his boats and boat races. God speed my friend. ❤️
Kim Mertes
January 27, 2023
So sorry for your loss Anja and Bryan
Renee L Keller
January 27, 2023
Bill was always so very nice and we had such nice conversations. I will miss seeing him. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Michael Sarnowski
January 27, 2023
Sorry for your loss Bryan.
Scott Hanson
January 27, 2023
Bill was a dear friend and a great neighbor. Over the years, as a neighbor, he watched out for my mother in law in the most caring and compassionate manner one could imagine. I also witnessed him working with the Sea Scouts and admired his demeanor with them as he graciously shared his boat building talents. I will miss him.
Jacqueline Lillesand
January 27, 2023
Bill will be deeply missed. Many, many fond memories and much laughter. He was a wonderful friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mary Jo Schuette
January 27, 2023
I am so sorry to read about Bill’s passing. I had Bill in a few classes at South High. He was a fun person to know. I am happy, I had a chance to talk with Bill at our 50th. Class reunion. RIP Bill!!
Jo Anne Hayon
January 27, 2023
Bill was a classmate and friend from a very young age. He will be missed by the South High class of 1971. May the angels lead him into Paradise. RIP Bill.