Russell "Russ" L. Dreva

Russell "Russ" Dreva, died Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was 76.

Russell was born on November 20, 1944, in Stevens Point, the only child of Edmund and Eunice (Higgins) Dreva. He attended Campus School and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1963. He attended classes at UWSP, UW Stout, and Purdue University.

While at P.J.'s he joined the school band, playing tuba. In the latter part of high school, and for many years after, he played with various local polka bands at weddings, showers, Golden Sand's days, and other places in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

After high school he decided to become a plumber. He worked for Soik Plumbing, Donny Lee Plumbing, and joined Local 778. As a member of the Union, he worked on various local school projects, UWSP projects, the Sentry Building, and Marshfield Clinic. In the 1980's there was an opening with the Wisconsin Technical Schools as an instructor in the plumbing trade. He applied and was hired. Each day he traveled to a different school in the Wisconsin Technical system. He retired from teaching in 2006.

Russ enjoyed life. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and just sitting up north at his cabin looking over the water. He also loved stopping at establishments to enjoy a beer and conversation. He loved to tell stories about his time with the polka bands, people he met, or his experiences growing up.

Russ is survived by his loving partner of 46 years, Katie Smith, who was with him when he died. He is also survived by cousins, and many friends he met throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Due to the Covid virus, no services are planned. A private burial will take place.

If you wish to honor his memory, please take time to turn off your phone and computer and take someone you love out to enjoy nature. Be a good person. Love when you can. Help where you can. Give what you can.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com