Frances (Morgan) Dreyer
Frances Morgan Dreyer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on April 5, 2023, in Eugene, Oregon at the age of 103.
She was born on January 11, 1920, to Frank H. and Gertrude (Hautzkche) Morgan, in Okawville and spent her childhood there. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and began her teaching career in a one room country schoolhouse near Okawville. She often reminisced about that experience.
Fran always knew how to make a deal. When she learned that her duties included starting the wood stove and cleaning the outhouse, she agreed to stay after school to teach older students to read if their fathers would perform those chores. She then taught at Okawville High School during the war.
She married Frederick Dreyer on December 24, 1945, and moved to Steeleville where she taught high school English. She also taught physical education early in her Steeleville career and was instrumental in establishing a summer swimming program for Steeleville students. She was an early and staunch advocate for women’s participation in sports. She received her master’s degree from SIU and subsequently became the high school guidance counselor and also served as principal for a short period. Fran always went the extra mile to help each student reach their full potential and mentor new teachers. She was gratified by having many of her students stay in touch and relate how her influence helped them in their careers.
She retired in 1979, having served 32 years in Steeleville schools, and continued to enjoy travel, family, and golfing with her husband Fred. She remained physically active for the rest of her life. After moving to Oregon in 2021, she enjoyed walking outdoors, watching the deer, and singing each evening.
Fran was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Randolph County Retired Teachers Association, and SIU Alumni Association.
Surviving are her sons, Tom Dreyer of Eugene, Oregon and Richard Dreyer of Portland, Oregon; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings Helen Jordan of Phoenix, AZ, and Harry Morgan of Okawville.
Fran is preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings: Alex Morgan, Marion Morgan, and Georgine Morgan.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 am, at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, with viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, April 21, 2023, at Wilson Funeral Home, Steeleville. Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Cemetery Fund, c/o Wilson’s Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288. To sign guestbook, visit www.wilsonfuneralhome.net.
