Jere Drerup Obituary

Jere E. Drerup

Jere Elmer Drerup, 76, of Ottawa, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at his home.

In 2023, he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease (ANCA vasculitis) that he was able to overcome, but recently had a short, but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer that ended his life.

He was born Dec. 2, 1947, in Lima, to Elmer and Eileen (Leopold) Drerup. He married Sharon Michel on July 24, 1971. Together, they had four children, Matthew (Josie) Drerup of Centerville, Melissa Drerup of Columbus, Michelle (Matthew) Yourkvitch of Bay Village, and Meredith (Bernardo) Cavour of Poland, Ohio, and eight grandchildren, Trey Persley, Emerson and Elliana Yourkvitch, Henry, Lucy, and Eva Drerup, and Sebastian and Adriana Cavour.

Jere was preceded to Heaven by his parents; and two sisters, Jane Engard and Deb Velasquez.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Cathy) Drerup of Flowery Branch, Georgia; sister, Linda (Michael Luttfring) Drerup of Ottawa; brother, Larry (Lisa) Drerup of Ottawa; and two brothers-in-law, Jim Engard and Dan (Anne) Velasquez, both of Leipsic.

He graduated from Ottawa-Glandorf High School in 1966. He was drafted and served proudly in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. Upon returning home, he attended University of Toledo and studied Engineering. Jere retired after working over 30 years for E.J. Meyers & Sons as a construction site supervisor. Jere was a jack of all trades. He developed Lakewood Estates and built four houses within the subdivision. He loved restoring classic cars and was most recently working on restoring a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlas 442.

He was an avid bowler, horseshoe thrower, and eBay seller/purchaser including rare coins. He was a member of the Eagles and spent his retirement golfing, gardening, and assisting with numerous home renovations/projects for his children including a full bathroom addition, building a garage, and running a full service auto shop in his shed for car maintenance and repair.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren who called him "Poppy," teaching them how to fish, driving around the lake in the golf cart, and making his famous homemade popcorn for them to enjoy.

Jere's celebration of life will be at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.