Mary Ann Dreves

Mary Ann Dreves, 88, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by family.

She was born August 18, 1937, to Clarence and Thelma (Bekkum) Dahlen and was baptized and confirmed at Coon Valley Lutheran Church, where her lifelong faith began and remained central throughout her life.

On March 14, 1959, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Gordon Dreves, at Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, building a family rooted in love, faith, and devotion.

Mary worked her way through college as a nurse’s assistant, reflecting her lifelong commitment to caring for others. She began her teaching career at Summit Elementary on Brice Prairie, where she taught for a few years, before spending the rest of her career as a dedicated Fourth Grade teacher at Harry Spence Elementary School. During her years in education, she also served as a representative to the La Crosse Education Association (LEA). She was known for her patience, dedication, and her ability to inspire a love of learning in her students.

Outside of the classroom, Mary lived life with joy and connection. She loved traveling, her Birch Street Breakfast Club, and especially her ladies’ dinner club, which began in 1977 and remained a treasured part of her life. She was an active and faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she found strength, service, and fellowship.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Gordon; two children, Debra Dreves of Scottsdale, AZ, and Jeffrey (Jeff) Dreves of La Crosse; her sister-in-law Dorothy Dahlen; brother-in-law Duane (Dewey) Dreves and sister-in-law Arlene Dreves; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will also be sorely missed by her beloved friend, Barb Schultz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Thelma (Bekkum) Dahlen; her parents-in-law, Theodore Sr. and Olga Dreves; her siblings Elizabeth (Liz) Larson and Anthony (Tony) Dahlen; her brother-in-law Theodore (Ted) Dreves Jr.; and sister-in-law Adeline Dreves.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Christians and the wonderful nurses on the fifth floor of Emplify Health for their compassionate care.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI (Mormon Coulee Road). The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Coon Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery. The Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.