Raymond Paul Dreffs

Raymond Paul Dreffs, 80 of Gaylord and formerly of Vanderbilt, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Crawford Continuing Care Center in Grayling.

Born on July 9, 1941 in Grayling, he was the son of Paul Anthony and Marie Virginia (Leszczynski) Dreffs.

A longtime butcher, Ray also worked at Georgia Pacific in Gaylord.  He wasn’t much of a traveler but in the last year he seemed to enjoy it more and more.  Whether it was farming, hunting, fishing, cutting wood or gardening he loved spending time outdoors. Playing cards was a favorite pastime. He even found time to play at work while on break. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and would often have a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Patricia, in 2016 and his former wife and friend, Nancy Dreffs, earlier this year.  Also preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Kari; and brothers Donald, Leonard and Eugene Dreffs.

Surviving are his children, Leah (Kory) Wendlandt of Sheboygan, WI, LaNette (Craig) Wegrecki of Cadillac, Jason Dreffs of Gaylord, Anthony (Sarah) Dreffs of Gaylord, Douglas (Deb) Dreffs of Gaylord, Nicole (Ryan) Allen of Kalkaska, Raymond (Janelle) Dreffs Jr. of Gaylord and Steve Dreffs of Gaylord; 11 grandchildren; a brother, Joseph Dreffs of Vanderbilt; sisters, Rita (Hilbert) Butka of Gaylord and Christine (Vern) Collins of Gaylord; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service with a Rosary at 6:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.  Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Crawford Continuing Care Center in Grayling.

A special Thank You to Crawford Continuing Care Center, Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital, & Munson Medical Center Traverse City.  He may not have wanted to be there, but he was very happy with his treatment there. Thank you!

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com