Emily Margaret Dreher

Emily Dreher passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, just three weeks’ shy of her 104^th birthday.  She leaves four children:  Don (Mary Ann), Kathie (Don) Boudreau, David (the late Kay) and Mary Lou; 14 grandchildren: Georgiann (Jim) Ursch, Toni (George) Lucas, LaDonna Evans, Angie Paynic, Andrea Schenk, Tricia (Rick) Ursch, Michaela (Mike) Klasner, Gary (Elaine) Dreher, Jennifer Boudreau, Scott (Tina) Dreher, Meaghan Boudreau, Julia (Ken) Quinton, Marko (Sonya) Dreher, Rebecca (Chris) Leffeler; 32 great grandchildren, 17 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Emily was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Louis; her parents, Anton and Katherine Vlatkovich; her dear sister, Marie Markowski; and loving daughter-in-law, Kay Dreher.

Emily was raised in the south St. Louis Croatian community and remained close to childhood friends throughout her life.  She was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Tamburitza Association of America.  Emily accepted the changes that life brings with a smile on her face and a sweet spirit.   While mobility issues limited her activities in recent years, she continued to enjoy a good meal, watching professional tennis, and spending time with her family.  

Services:  Ziegenhein Funeral Home, South County Chapel.   Visitation on Wednesday January 31, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. Visitation on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am @ John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel.  Funeral Mass 12:00 Noon @ St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church, 2112 S. 12th St., St. Louis, MO 63104.  Internment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis.