Jere Elmer Drerup

OTTAWA - Jere Elmer Drerup, 76, of Ottawa, OH passed away on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. 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 December 2nd, 1947 to the late Elmer and Eileen (Leopold) Drerup in Lima, Ohio.

On July 24th, 1971, he married Sharon Michel. Together they had 4 children: Matthew (Josie) Drerup of Centerville, OH, Melissa Drerup of Columbus, OH, Michelle (Matthew) Yourkvitch of Bay Village, OH and Meredith (Bernardo) Cavour of Poland, OH and 8 grandchildren: Trey Persley, Emerson and Elliana Yourkvitch, Henry, Lucy and Eva Drerup, and Sebastian and Adriana Cavour.

He 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, GA, sister, Linda (Michael Luttfring) Drerup and brother, Larry (Lisa) Drerup both of Ottawa; 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 the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. Upon returning home, he attended the 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 4 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 8 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.

A Celebration of Life will be held 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

Putnam County Homecare and Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875
Tel: 1-419-523-4449
Web: http://www.pchh.net