Richard W. "Dick" Drebus, completed his walk through life on Thursday, September 16, 2004, at the age of 80. He passed away following a long battle with cancer resulting from hepatitis-C, a delayed consequence of wounds suffered during World War II.
In his 2003 autobiography "A Walk Through Life," written for family and friends, Dr. Drebus captured not only many of the key events that shaped his life, but also passed along the wisdom and humor of a man who thoroughly understood human nature.
Dick was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on March 30, 1924 to William and Frieda (Schmidt) Drebus. He attended Grace Lutheran Elementary School and graduated with honors from Oshkosh High School, Class of 1941. After two years at Oshkosh State Teachers College, Dick volunteered for service during World War II. Following training in artillery, engineering, and infantry, he was deployed to the European Theater in 1943 with the 55th Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division. Dick was severely wounded in combat during the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. His combat experiences led him to write the inspirational hymn "A Soldier's Prayer."
Following his disability discharge from military service, Dick attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned the Bachelor of Science in Physical Science (Natural Science Major) in 1947. He then taught human physiology for two years at Madison East High School, and in the summer was a counselor at Culver Military Academy in northern Indiana.
On June 7, 1947 Dick married Hazel Redford, a high school classmate. They were blessed with two sons and daughter. He returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees from the School of Education in Counseling and Guidance. He was also awarded a University Fellowship.
Dr. Drebus entered industry in 1951 with Marathon Paper Company. Subsequently he accepted a position with Ansul Chemical Company in Marinette in the capacity of Training Manager and later was Marketing Director.
In 1960, Dick assumed the responsibilities of Director of Personnel Development with the Mead Johnson Company in Evansville, Indiana. While employed with Mead Johnson, he contributed to the firm's rapid growth as Vice-President of Long Range Planning and as President of the Mead Johnson International Division.
Following the merger of Mead Johnson with Bristol-Myers Company in 1968, Dr. Drebus joined the parent firm's New York City headquarters as Senior Vice-President, International Division. He also served as Corporate Vice-President, Organizational Analysis, and retired in 1989 as Senior Vice-President of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. In this last assignment he was responsible for directing the construction of the company's new research facility in Wallingford, Connecticut, coordinating its staffing, and overall administration of the operation. While with Bristol-Myers, Dr. Drebus developed a unique and highly successful program for the development of the corporation's senior and middle management.
Dick always gave generously of his time and talents by serving on the boards of many organizations in the communities where he loved. These included Goodwill, United Way, Junior Achievement, Boys and Girls Clubs, Indiana Council for Crime and Delinquency, and Church Council President. He served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Illinois University Business School and the Wallingford Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, was a Trustee Emeritus of Quinnipiac College, and an Emeritus Member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education Board of Visitors. Dr. Drebus is listed in Who's Who in America and five of their special editions.
Professional memberships included the American Psychological Association, New York Academy of Sciences, Phi Delta Kappa, University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Association, and the University of Wisconsin Bascom Hill Society and Middleton Society. Dick also belonged to the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans. Past memberships included the Lions and Rotary Clubs. Social memberships included the Oshkosh and North Shore Country Clubs and the Fox River Hunting and Fishing Club.
Although Dick's walk through life took him all fifty states, seven continents, and the major capitals of the world, the path ultimately led him back to his roots in Oshkosh where he and Hazel retired. Along the way he positively touched and influenced the loves of all those he met. Throughout his career and retirement, Dr. Drebus enjoyed providing pro bono counseling and derived considerable satisfaction from assisting individuals to attain their family and career success. His greatest pleasure came from sharing time with his family.
Dick was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. The scriptural passage of the 23rd Psalm and his confirmation verse Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me," gave him the strength to persevere though adversity and inspired him to help others. He attributed his success, happiness, and blessings to a strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thus as he faced the end of his temporal path, he was confident that his spiritual journey was only beginning.
Dick considered his most precious assets to be Hazel Redford Drebus, his devoted and loving wife for 57 years, and his supportive children William (Jane) Drebus of Evansville, Indiana, John (Pamela) Drebus of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Kathryn (Ron) Belin of Valparaiso, Indiana. He also took great pride in his eight grandchildren, Bethea Scovic, David Drebus, Scott Drebus, Richard Belin, Robert Drebus, Amy Belin Hamilton, Donna Drebus, and Cynthia Drebus, and great-granddaughter, Molly Scovic.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Church, 338 North Eagle Street, with Reverend David Pagel officiating. Entombment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 300 North Eagle Street, and on Saturday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the church. The Drebus family requests that memorials be made to: Dick Drebus Scholarship of the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis, IN, Central Indiana Community Foundation, 615 Alabaman Street, suite 119, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1498 or Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund, 338 North Eagle Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 or Mayo Clinic Research Foundation, Department of Development, Mayo Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
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