John E. Dreyer, 76, of rural Sugar Grove and Vieques, Puerto Rico, passed away Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at his home in Sugar Grove. He was born in Chicago, IL on Feb. 22, 1929, the son of Felix E. and Marie A. Dreyer. Mr. Dreyer graduated from Loyola University in 1951 and from DePaul University Law School in 1953 where he was Editor of the Law Review. He was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1953. He served for 3 years as a first lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army. After his military tour of duty, he began his civil practice of law in 1956 in the Chicago and Aurora offices of Sears & Streit. In 1963, he co-founded the law firm of Dreyer, Foote, Streit, Furgason & Slocum where he practiced until his retirement in 1994. He remained Of Counsel to the firm until his death. Mr. Dreyer was honored in 2003 by the Kane County Bar Association as a member for 50 years. He was also a member of the Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Additionally, he was a member of the prestigious Society of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Dreyer practiced not only in the State Courts, but was also admitted to practice in the Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Appeals, Chicago, IL. He was well known and highly respected in the legal community. He had a genuine love of the law and was a mentor to many of his fellow lawyers. Mr. Dreyer is survived by his wife, Nancy A. Mickelson. Also surviving are his children, Thomas (Debbie) Dreyer, Laura (Steve) Varley, Gregory (Laura) Dreyer, Michael (Debra) Dreyer, Karen (Noe) Ortiz and Kevin Mickelson. His grandchildren, Nicholas, Jessica, Antonio, and Santana will miss their Grandpa and his teasing. Also surviving are his brother, Robert Dreyer, and two sisters, Dolores Hanrath and Bernadette Simpson. John was a man who loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He worked hard and he played hard. His only regret was not being on the beach in his beloved Vieques, Puerto Rico, when he died. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn IL 60119, with visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the memorial following. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the John E. Dreyer Memorial Fund, 1999 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506.
