Paul Drefs

ESCANABA — Paul Drefs, age 94, of Escanaba passed away Friday, January 12, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born June 24, 1929 in Engadine, Mich. and was the son of Gustaf Reinhart and Augusta (Erdmann) Drefs. Paul graduated from Engadine High School. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, during World War II, serving in Japan, as a private first class. He served under the direction of General Douglas MacArthur, and was part of General MacArthur’s Honor Guard Company, which protected General MacArthur and the U.S. Embassy. Paul later served as a chaplain’s assistant for two and a half years and with the military police, for one year, as a member of the fearless 40, until he was honorably discharged in 1951. Paul married the former Dorothy Ann Porath on October 30, 1954 at Salem Lutheran Church in Escanaba. He was employed at the Pioneer Steam Ship Company for two years and later with Harnishfeger Corporation for 30 years, until he retired in 1984. Paul was a member of the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Escanaba American Legion. He had the honor of going on the U.P. Honor Flight out of Escanaba, Mission 8. Paul enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, and going to coin and stamp shows. Paul loved to help others, go to rummage sales, square dancing, taking bike rides, walking, remodeling his home and entering crafts in the U.P. State Fair.