Thomas Dreisinger

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-113274

Notes:

Thomas Dreisinger

Elmira - Thomas Dreisinger, seven months, died Monday at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Dreisinger, 10 Cross St., Elmira. Surviving besides his parents is one brother, John. The funeral was conducted today and burial took place in the Elmira Cemetery. Rev. Frank Malinsky officated.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record, September 16, 1958

Other Events:

• Military: WW2 - R.C.A.F - Newfoundland
• Occupation: Dreisinger Funeral Home, 7 Arthur Street N., Elmira, Ontario; funeral home operator
• Eby ID Number: 00072-4245.67
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Former Town of Elmira Councillor
Community mourns death of Elmira funeral director David Dreisinger

Friends of David Dreisinger described him as a well-respected and caring individual who would help anyone. Dreisinger, 76, died Tuesday, Nov. 9 at K-W Hospital. He was born in Elmira on Nov. 7, 1917. He was a third-generation funeral director, who, according to close friends, learned the business from his grandfather, Chris Dreisinger. David Dreisinger obtained his funeral director's licence in 1938. He was a former member of Elmira town council from 1956 to 1959. Elmira town council was in existence prior to the region taking over in 1973 and forming the current Woolwich township. At the time Dreisinger was on council, each term was for one year. Dreisinger served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the second world-war. He was a member of the Elmira Kiwanis club, the Elmira Legion, and of the Masonic lodge. During the remembrance-day dinner at the Legion on Thursday, there was a moment of silence in memory of Dreisinger. Eddie Bearinger, of Elmira described his friend since childhood, as "very sincere. He was very meticulous. If he said 'I will meet you at a certain time,' he meant it. David would help out many people. He was always there to lend a helping hand, but he did not want people to know about it. He was a man behind the scenes. He was very well respected especially by the Old Order Mennonites. David knew their customs. He knew how to conduct a funeral," Bearinger said. Ernie Kendall of Elmira, taught Dreisinger. "He was one of those students who always asked questions, as any student should. In later years, he was a neighbour. David and his wife were great friends of ours." Kendall said that the Dreisinger family has done "a great job" when it comes to funerals as there has been no competition. "The Dreisinger name is very well known and respected," he said. Kendall continued that his long-time friend was "very proud of Elmira. David thought a great deal about the town." Kendall and Bearinger said that Dreisinger was a supporter of local events. "If there was a special need, or a gift was needed, David would give, but asked that his name not be used." Another long-time friend, Bette Musselman, of Elmira, also described him as "a true friend. He was always there when I really needed him. I'll always remember what he did for me when Art died." He was the husband of Eileen Thorpe; father of John and his wife, Susan, of Elmira; Colleen and her husband, Frank Zanetti, of Battle Creek, Michigan; brother of Hazel (Mrs. Donald Brown), of Elmira; also survived by five grandchildren. Burial was in Elmira Union cemetery. Donations to Gale Presbyterian church or St. James Lutheran church, both of Elmira, would be appreciated.


Elmira Independent, November 1993

______________________


Dreisinger, David G. - On Tuesday, November 9, 1993, at K-W Hospital, David George Dreisinger, age 76 years, of Elmira. Mr. Dreisinger was born in Elmira November 7, 1917. He obtained his Funeral Directors Licence in 1938 and was active in his profession until the time of his death. Husband of Eileen Thorpe; father of John C. and Susan Dreisinger of Elmira, Colleen and Frank Zanetti of Battle Creek, Mich; grandfather of Christin, Kelly and Kimberly Dreisinger of Elmira, Alissa and Andrew Zanetti of Battle Creek, Mich; brother of Hazel (Mrs. Donald Brown). Friends may call at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. At David's request, a private family committal service will be held with interment in Elmira Union Cemetery. For those who desire, memorial donations may be made to Gale Presbyterian Church or St. James Lutheran Church, as expressions of sympathy.


Kitchener-Waterloo Record, November 1993

David — Caroline Reist. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96629
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1914, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; undertaker
• Residence: 1936, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Passed Away At Elmira, Ontario Saturday, February 26th, 1949 George E. Dreisinger The Funeral Will take place from the Funeral Chapel, on Monday, February 28th, at 3: 00 p.m., Interment in Elmira Cemetery.

Funeral Card of George E. Dreisinger

_________________________

Geo. Dreisinger Buried Monday

Funeral Service for George Dreisinger, widely-known resident of Elmira, was held at the Dreisinger Funeral Chapel on Monday at 3 p.m. Rev. L. H. Kalbfleisch officiated. The pallbearers were J. J. Yanchus, Fred Schmidt, Fred Howard, Fred Rudow and Philip Zinger of Elmira and Ross McLanaghan of Guelph. Burial was made in the Elmira Cemetery. Mr. Dreisinger died suddenly Friday night following a heart attack. He had been associated with his father, Christian Dreisinger, in the funeral and furniture business in Elmira since 1914. He attended St. James' Lutheran Church. Surviving besides his father are his wife, the former Clara Lichty, a daughter, Mrs George (Hazel) Wilken, Elmira, a son, David, Elmira, two sisters, Mrs. Louise Trapp, St. Jacobs and Mrs. A. V. Armbrust, [Marion] Kitchener. There are three grandchildren.

Elmira Signet 3 Mar 1949

George — Clara Lichty. Clara (daughter of David G. Lichty and Mary Ann Muether) was born 4 Mar 1893, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Feb 1984, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Clara Dreisinger
• Name: Clary Lichty
• Eby ID Number: 00072-4245.4
• Occupation: 1911, Conestogo, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; at Home
• Residence: 1911, Conestogo, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Dreisinger, Mrs. George - On Saturday, Feb. 11, 1984, at Heritage House, St. Jacobs, formerly of Elmira, in her 91^st year, Clara Lichty. Wife of the late George Dreisinger; dear mother of Hazel (Mrs. Donald Brown) of RR 2, Wallenstein and David of Elmira. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Christine, Maroin, Grace, Bob, John and Colleen and eight great-grandchildren. Sister of Gordon Lichty of St. Jacobs. Predeceased by one sister and one brother. Visitation at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira, after noon on Monday (today,. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. Interment Elmira Union cemetery.


Kitchener-Waterloo Record, February 13,1984

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-56237
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Fireman, Factory
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Addison — Laura Hafermehl. Laura (daughter of Justus Hafermehl and Katherina "Katie" "Catherine" Heimbecker) was born 26 Dec 1888, Neustadt, Normanby Twp., Grey Co., Ontario, Canada; died 27 Feb 1979, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Floradale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Laura Reist
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-56233
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Business: Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bechtel Funeral Service
• Name: Chris Dreisinger
• Occupation: Dreisinger Funeral Home, 7 Arthur Street N., Elmira, Ontario; funeral home operator
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96625
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Painter
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Painter
• Club Membership: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Elmira Musical Society
• Residence: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Chris Dreisinger

Chris Dreisinger, 80, funeral director and furniture store proprietor in Elmira for more than 50 years, died early Saturday at his home here after an illness of four years. Early in the century, after the advent of automobiles, Mr. Dreisinger built one of the first motorized hearses in the province. For many years he had the only mobile hearse within a radius of 50 miles. Late in the 1930s he built a modern funeral chapel which remains the only one in the district.

Mr. Dreisinger, active until four years ago, was a member of Elmira Evangelical Church, the Canadian Order of Foresters and Glenrose Masonic Lodge No. 628, Elmira.

Born in St. Jacobs on June 30, 1872, he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Dreisinger. His wife, Harriet Maurer, predeceased him in 1936. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Louise Trapp, Waterloo, and Mrs. A. V. (Marion) Armbrust, Kitchener; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A son, George, predeceased him in 1949. A brother also predeceased him.

Memorial service was held at the Dreisinger Funeral Chapel Monday at 3 p.m. with Rev. C. B. Heckendorn and Rev. C. H. Cornwell of Hanover, formerly of Elmira. Burial was in Elmira Cemetery.

Elmira Signet, November 20, 1952

_________________

Marion Roes a great grand daughter remembers: "I remember his funeral -- I was 7 -- and the chapel and furniture store -- people were sitting in the window display area -- were full. The only other memory I have of him is in a hospital bed in my grandmother's living room where I guess he was for most of the four years he was ill.

A few years ago, I was told that the story about him making the first motorized hearse was only partially true. The person telling me said it was her relative who did the fancy wood carving on the vehicle."

Marion Roes 2010

____________________________


C. Dreisinger Successful Local Business Man 45 Years

On Monday one of Elmira's most popular and prominent citizens will mark the passing of three-quarters of a century of worthwhile living in this community. On that day C. Dreisinger will observe his seventy-fifth birthday, and will have spent forty-five years as owner of Elmira's only furniture and funeral service. By working diligently and planning wisely, he has made those years, and what he has accomplished in them, mean a great deal to himself, to his family and to this town.

Mr. Dreisinger was born in St. Jacobs on June 30, 1872, and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Dreisinger, moved to Elmira when he was nine years old. After finishing school he went into his father's business, which was coopering, or barrel making. Tiring of this, and deciding that he would like to do something different, he went across the border and remained for a while in the United States, coming back to spend a couple of years working in hotels in Kitchener. In 1891, he married Harriet Maurer of North Woolwich, and after getting settled again in Elmira he decided to go into the decorating business with the late John R. Ruppel, who was then in the paper hanging and painting trade. At this time, Mr. Ruppel and his father, Charles, were the local undertakers and furniture dealers and their business was located in the C. D. Miller and Co. block.

Ever with the thought of expansion uppermost in his mind, and with level headedness and the ability to make sound decisions standing him in good stead, Mr. Dreisinger took another important step in his career. This was to go into business on his own as a mortician. No minor decision, it meant a great deal of study would be involved, and that he must work all day, and then devote what leisure time he had to this studying. His final examinations were written in Philadelphia, and his license obtained with honors is a testimonial to the progress he was able to make in the scholastic field. Part of the building in which the Dreisinger store and funeral home is now located [in 2010, Shoppers Drug Mart is at that location; 7/9 Arthur Street North] was then a hardware store and this the present owner bought in 1902 [land sales records indicate purchase year was 1906] together with the Ruppel business and from here on whether he would succeed or fail was up to him. In those times, the structure presented an entirely different appearance to that of today. Of red brick, it housed the offices, first of the Traders' Bank and then the Royal Bank, on the Arthur and Church Street corner. Mr. Dreisinger's store, and a millinery shop to the north of this, and in back a printing office, as well as apartments and lodge rooms upstairs.

Another interesting phase in his life came with the introduction of the automobile and he was one of the first local residents to own one. And not only was he interested for himself, but he assisted the Chevrolet dealer, J.B. Lein, who had his garage in the old building removed by the Link-Belt Foundry, present owners of the property, last year. Mr. Dreisinger gives some amusing accounts of incidents that occurred while he was teaching driving to some of the first citizens to learn, and he says that many of these were ladies. Prior to the advent of the motor age, horsedrawn hearses were used, and in winter took the form of sleighs with glass enclosures that contained the caskets. His first two motor hearses were built by himself, with the work entailing a great deal of intricate carving. His son, George, who is still with the business, started about 35 years ago, obtaining his license in 1914.

Embalming became a requirement of the law in ___ [blank] and at that time and for many years after, Mr. Dreisinger made his own fluid for this purpose. [The recipe was tacked to a basement beam of the building.] In 1921, the Royal Bank purchased the building in which it is now situated, and which was then the Zilliax hotel. In October of that year, the late Arthur A. Ullyot opened a drug store in the premises thus vacated, and changed the front accordingly. As the years went by the nature of funeral services changed with the times. Whereas it had once been customary to prepare the bodies of the dead in the homes, it soon became apparent that an improvement could be made if this were done in a properly appointed morgue. In many cases, too, it was the desire of the family to have the service held elsewhere than in the home or church, and the necessity for a chapel was realized.

In 1940 Ullyot's moved to their present location and it was possible for Mr. Dreisinger to make some extensive changes. He now had the entire block, and this was covered with stucco on the outside and completely renovated inside. Today he has one of the finest funeral homes that might be found in any small town in the province. The chapel itself will seat 150 persons, and about one hundred more can be accommodated in the family rooms when a service is held. Attractively finished in oak and old ivory, the room is lighted indirectly, and is equipped with a beautiful Hammond electric organ, as well as an amplifying unit. The other rooms pertaining to the funeral chapel are equally well decorated and furnished for quiet comfort. The morgue is a small, bright room, immaculate in white enamel throughout and with all modern appliances.

Since 1938, when he obtained his license, and with the exception of three and a half years, spent with the R.C.A.F., Mr. Dreisinger's grandson, David, has been in charge of the embalming and most of the work connected with the funeral home, and is one of the best members of his profession in this part of the province. For the past ten years he [Chris.] has also been assisted by his granddaughter, Mrs. George Wilken [Hazel] who does the buying for the store and the necessary bookkeeping and stenographic work, as well as being a licenced lady mortician. Mrs. George Dreisinger is also a valued member of the staff. The top storey of the block is quite expansive, and may be reached either by elevator or stairway. In these rooms furniture and rugs are stored, and there is also a large casket showroom. The air conditioning and automatic heating systems are located in the spacious basement. Here too, a radio repairing shop is managed and operated by V. Pierce. The garage is equipped with gasoline and oil tanks and houses the two hearses and sufficient cars for two complete funerals. Mr. Dreisinger prefers the Packard machine, deeming the streamlined yet conservative chassis most suitable for funeral purposes. Hearse services are also provided for other funeral homes in Waterloo, Baden, New Dundee, Ayr, Fergus and Guelph. Mr. Dreisinger intends to procure both a new hearse and car sometime this year.

Elmira Signet, Thursday, June 26^th, 1947

________________________

Elmira Twenty Years Ago, From Signet of Jan. 22, 1905

Do You Remember?
Messrs. Chas. Ruppel and Son have sold their Undertaking Business to Mr. Christian Dreisinger who will be pleased to supply the public with anything they may want in his line.

The Elmira Signet, Thursday, January 22, 1925

Club Membership:
The young man seated above the SOC on the drum is Christian Dreisinger.

Christian married Harriet "Hettie" Maurer 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Harriet (daughter of George Maurer and Louisa Bender) was born 1 Jul 1872, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Feb 1936, Guelph City, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Harriet "Hettie" Dreisinger
• Name: Hattie Maurer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96626
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1911, 7 Arthur Street N., Elmira, Ontario; Undertaker
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1913, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

In loving Memory Died At Guelph General Hospital Thursday, February 13, 1936 Harriet Maurer Beloved wife of Chris. Dreisinger In her 64th year. The Funeral Will take place on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Private service at the house, thence to Elmira Cemetery for burial. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.


Funeral Card of Harriet Maurer

______________________


Heart Attack Fatal to Mrs. Dreisinger

Stricken Thursday Morning; Succumbs after Being Removed to Guelph Hospital

Mrs. Chris Dreisinger

Suffering a heart attack early Thursday morning, Mrs. C. Dreisinger; highly esteemed Elmira resident, passed away in sudden death the same evening. Previously in apparent good health, the late Mrs. Dreisinger was afflicted with the attack at her home, but was removed to the Guelph hospital where she succumbed. The sad news came as a distinct shock to relatives and Elmira citizens.

Mrs. Dreisinger was in her 64^th year. The daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Maurer of North Woolwich, she came from that district in early life to take up her residence in Elmira. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Mrs. C. Trapp of St. Jacobs and Mrs. A. V. Armbrust of Kitchener, and one son, George, of Elmira. Mrs. Koehn and Mrs. N. Straub, two sisters, both of Kitchener and one brother George Maurer of North Woolwich, together with three grandchildren, also survive.

The funeral, which was very largely attended, was held from the Dreisinger funeral chapel Sunday afternoon, interment being made in the Elmira cemetery. Numerous floral tributes showed in a quiet way the esteem placed on the bereaved's position in Elmira activities for many year. Pall-bearers were, Donald Cale, Harry Weichel, Philip Zinger, A. H. Vice, Frank and Jack McCormick. Rev. G. D. Little, Rev. C. H. Cornwell and Rev. F. B. Mayer of Sebringville officiated at the services. Mrs. Dreisinger was a member of the Evangelical Church.

Elmira Signet, Thursday, February 20, 1936

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00072-4245
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Conestogo, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Conestogo, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer, own farm
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

David G. Lichty, "was born December 14th, 1862. He is married to Mary Ann Muether. They reside in Hanover, Ontario, where he is engaged in one of the factories."



Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

David married Mary Ann Muether 29 Sep 1887, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Friedrich "Frederick" Muther and Elizabeth Peppler) was born 11 Jul 1866, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Jun 1895; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ann Lichty
• Name: Mary Ann Mader
• Eby ID Number: 00072-4245.1
• Residence: 1911, Conestogo, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00090-5207.3
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Reist - In Woolwich, July 24th, George W. Reist, aged 61 years, 6 months and 5 days.

Elmira Signet Jul 26 1917

George — Elizabeth Margaret Soehner. Elizabeth (daughter of Heinrich "Henry" Soehner and Elisabeth Wohlfarth) was born 6 Jan 1860, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1952; was buried , Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Floradale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Margaret Reist
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-56234
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Map: Wellesley Township - East Concession A Lot 02, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: Justus Habermehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-278832
• Occupation: 1861, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1864, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Justus married Katherina "Katie" "Catherine" Heimbecker 18 Oct 1864, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Katherina (daughter of Johannes "John" Heimbecker and Barbara Gessner) was born 1846, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1939; was buried , Saint Peter's Cemetery Lutheran Cemetery, Neustadt, Grey Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Heimbecher
• Name: Katherina "Katie" "Catherine" Hafermehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-37801
• Residence: 1864, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada