John "Butch" Dreyer

John A. Dreyer Jr. was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting and cooking up his catch for dinner. He also had a passion for cars, fixing them as well as racing them. He was an avid bowler who was on a league with his father. Most of all he loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Born on August 28, 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to John and Marie (Vander Veen) Dreyer, John was the second of four children. John and Marie worked hard to raise John, or “Butch”, as he was called, along with his older sister Mary and younger siblings, Connie and Dennis. The time in which Butch was raised was an idyllic time for raising a family. World War II had ended and most Americans were enjoying peace and prosperity. Little Butch was baptized in the Catholic Church and possibly received his name because of the crew-cut hair cuts that were so popular at the time. The Dreyer family lived on 6th Street on the west side of the city and Butch started school at nearby Stocking School. When Butch entered the fourth grade, the family moved to 12th Street, just west of Standale, in Ottawa County. He continued his education in the Coopersville School System. Butch enjoyed his childhood and all the amenities that came with living in the suburbs. He especially enjoyed summer camp and was able to attend almost every year. Tragically, one year at camp he contracted Polio and spent some time recuperating that year. Not suffering any long-term effects from this devastating disease, Butch developed a passion for cars, racing cars in particular. It was said that he had the fastest dark blue Plymouth on the west side and no one could catch him (It is not known if this included the police or not)! Butch could be found tearing up the track at the Speedrom, a popular race track in the Comstock Park area, and his weekends were spent at the Thunderbird Race Track in Muskegon.

After graduating from Coopersville High School in 1964, Butch met a young lady named Sue Sullivan. They fell in love and were married. Together, they brought two beautiful children into the world: Lonnie and Stacy. Butch found employment at a local factory, Evans Products, in order to support the family. Unfortunately, their marriage did not last and ended in divorce.

In 1972, Butch was introduced to a lady named Marilyn Lewis, by his younger sister, Connie. They fell in love and were married, bringing two more beautiful children into the world: John and Brandy. The family continued living on the west side and Butch continued working at Evans Products. He also continued his love of racing. He was given a Buick, by his mother, which he lovingly and painstakingly turned into a racing machine. Most of his time was spent tearing up the track and repairing his car, rather than actually winning, but it didn’t matter to Butch. The thrill of the race and the fun repair work are what made him happy. Once in a while he would win, and that would be an added bonus.

In addition to racing, Butch also enjoyed bowling and hunting. For many years, he was on a bowling league with his dad. He and his dad were also hunting buddies, going to places like, Mesick, Baldwin and other hunting locations, just north of Grand Rapids to hunt for deer and small game. Usually, when Butch caught something, he enjoyed bringing it home and cooking it up for dinner. Mexican food was his favorite, but Butch loved other food besides Mexican. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t much that Butch didn’t enjoy eating! He loved to eat (especially food that wasn’t good for him) and he was known for making melt-in-your-mouth fudge.

After the children were grown up and on their own, Butch and Marilyn moved to Kent City to live in the country and have more room. Here Butch was able to indulge his love of the outdoors, even helping a friend “break” horses that needed to be trained. This activity was curtailed when Butch was thrown one winter, breaking several ribs.

Unfortunately, Butch and Marilyn were divorced, ending their marriage in the late 1990’s. Butch still continued his passion for racing, hunting, and bowling. He also loved a challenging game of Cribbage with family and friends, and could be found listening to country music in his quieter moments. Butch was a fun-loving person who loved to joke around with others. He would not joke with you if he didn’t know you (or if he didn’t like you!), but he did joke with most people!

A few years ago, Butch moved back to Grand Rapids to a house on Fuller N.E. to be closer to family. Butch was totally devoted to his twelve grandchildren. He loved nothing better than to have them come for a weekend, where he could spoil them with love and attention. The grandchildren knew that Grandpa Dreyer would take them to restaurants, movies, anything they wanted to do!

Sadly, in July of this year Butch became ill and had to go on disability. He entered Butterworth Hospital three weeks ago.

Butch Dreyer was a full-loving person who lived life to the fullest. He had a passion for the outdoors, fast cars, and his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him in the short time he was given.

John A. “Butch” Dreyer Jr. , aged 63 of Grand Rapids passed away Tuesday March 10, 2009. Surviving are his children: Lonnie L Dreyer and Fiancé Leah TeBos, Stacy Lynn Dreyer and Fiancée Boyd Lamrock, John D. and Wendy Dreyer, Brandy Dreyer; his daughter in-law Michele Dreyer, 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his children’s mother Marilyn Dreyer, his sisters, brother and their spouses: Mary Louise Grimes, Connie and Jim Lieske, Dennis and Sue Dreyer and several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Butch’s life will be held Saturday at 11 A.M. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. Cremation will follow with interment of cremated remains in Rosedale Memorial Park. Butch reposes at the funeral home where relatives and friends may meet his family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association would be appreciated. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com