Otis “Red” L. Dreesen of Fair Grove, Missouri passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16^, 2026. He was born January 5, 1934 to Otis and Caroline (Anderson) Dreesen of Hartington, Nebraska. He graduated, in 1951, from Coleridge Nebraska High School. He joined the army serving from 1954-1956 in Germany.

In his early years he helped his Dad farm, with horses that instilled his love of horses. He farmed on his own for a few years, with a John Deere “A”. Then truck driving beckoned him and he stayed with it for 35 years, seeing lots of our beautiful country and retiring from Roadway. He accumulated three million accident-free miles. Red was a wonderful provider for his family. Red had a love for restoring old tractors and playing card games with his family.

Red and JoAnn Heithold were married on August 22, 1961, in Yankton, South Dakota. They would have been married 65 years next month.  To this union two daughters were born, Valerie and Kristine. He loved and enjoyed his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Caroline Dreesen; brothers and sisters in law, LeRoy (Darlene) Dreesen and Ronald (Joann) Dreesen; and infant sister-Ailiene Dreesen. Along with brothers-in-law: Wendel Lumley, Jack Hughes, Ray Puntney, Stanley Heithold, Richard Heithold, Donavon Heithold, and Jerry Ash; and three sisters-in-law: Ardath Puntney, Ziola Heithold, and Margaret Heithold.

He is survived by his loving wife JoAnn, daughters Valerie (Steve) Wayt and Kristine Dreesen. Grandchildren Caroline (Rusty) Dukes and Matthew Wayt and great grandchildren Gavin and Ava Dukes. One brother Gary (Karen) Dreesen of Gretna, Nebraska. Along with sisters in law and brothers in law: Vivian Ash, Duane (Leona) Heithold, Marion Stringfellow, Sharon Lumely, David (Pauline) Heithold, Janet Hughes, Patricia (Ramadan) Nadi, and Kathy (John) Hodges. Including several nieces and nephews.  He always had a smile and a wave for everyone. He kept that smile even when he struggled with harsh illnesses.  He loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of the Fair Grove United Methodist Church.

Graveside services and burial will be held, with immediate family, at the Brighton Cemetery on Monday, June 20 at 10:00 with Pastor Jeff Brann officiating under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home.

We would like to thank everyone for the cards and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in Red’s memory.