DREHER, Lawrence Albert

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, March 6, 2010 Lawrence Albert Dreher, age 86, passed peacefully from this life at Prescott Samaritan Village on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. Larry, as he was affectionately known at Samaritan Village, was born on Dec. 25, 1923, in Kansas City, Mo., to Joseph P. and Rose (Eberle) Dreher. After completion of school in Illinois, he was inducted into the Army, March 3, 1944, where he served overseas until he was wounded and subsequently honorably discharged with a Purple Heart in 1946. Learning the craftsmanship of jewelry-making, he was proud of his work. He also loved new cars; he would buy a new one every couple of years. In 1962, he married Eugenia Lorenz and continued his work until he retired and they moved to Chino Valley in 1988, where he became fascinated with the hobby of pigeon racing. He also enjoyed creating stained glass pieces and gardening. Surviving Larry are his sister Theresa (Jim) Polcer of California; sister-in-law Eileen Dreher of Montana; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Eugenia in 2002; sisters Martina and Leota; and brother Raymond. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Chino Valley Cemetery, Road 2 South. Father Fred of St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church will conduct the service with the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post #40, Chino Valley. To honor the caring staff at Prescott Samaritan Village, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prescott Samaritan Village Employee Fund, 1030 Scott Drive, Prescott, AZ 86301. Chino Valley Funeral Home is caring for Larry. As one nurse put it, "He was always a gentleman." Information provided by survivors.