Sharon Helen (Gniech) Drescher

SHARON DRESCHER

CHAUTAQUA - Sharon Helen ‘Gniech’ Drescher born August 4,1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late John & Daisy ‘Mewhorter’ Gniech was called home to her Lord and Savior on February 16, 2025 in the early morning hours surrounded by her loving husband, C. Daniel Drescher and three children, Daniel Drescher, Jennifer ‘Drescher’ Talbott, and Mark Drescher.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, C. Daniel Drescher of Chautauqua, Illinois; three children: Daniel (Cathy) Drescher of St. Charles, Illinois, Jennifer (Derek) Talbott of Broomfield, Colorado, Mark (Dara) Drescher of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two sisters, Marie Gniech and Angie ‘Gniech’ Felske, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, five grandchildren, Michael and Madelynne Drescher, Rebecca and Nicholas Hopwood, and Noah Drescher.  She also leaves behind many family members and friends who will greatly miss her unwavering kindness, guidance, and support. 

She was preceded in death by her father John Gniech, mother Daisy ‘Mewhorter’ Gniech, brother Richard Gniech, granddaughter Nora Drescher, as well as numerous family and friends.

Sharon met the love of her life while in high school and the two were soon married at Chanute Air Force Base. They embarked on the adventure of a lifetime stationed around the United States and internationally. Sharon found great joy while participating in various air base activities; her generosity and kindness shined through as she hosted the families of returning Prisoners of War in 1973.

Sharon supported Dan in his endeavors through college, while on active duty, and simultaneously she pursued a degree in home economics at the University of New Mexico.  Life, as it sometimes does, took her down a different path.  She paused her love of the culinary arts, and she redirected her career to the computer and business sciences.  Following their tenure in the Air Force, she went on to have a very successful career in sales and later as the practice manager for an Endodontics surgical office.

In retirement, she relocated with her husband to Chautauqua, Illinois where the two remodeled their forever home.  She was able to reignite her passion for baking, cooking, and entertaining around her fabulous chef’s kitchen.  She hosted cooking courses for all ages where she shared her finely honed recipes and hosted elaborate dinner parties.  She embarked on travels all around the world, setting foot on every continent.  She climbed glaciers in Alaska, sailed the waters of Antarctica, and gazed upon the Great Pyramids of Egypt.  She dedicated her time and talents to numerous organizations; she served as Treasurer of the First Presbyterian Women’s Ministry in Jerseyville, Illinois, Treasurer of the Jerseyville, Illinois Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, and the President of the Ladies’ Civic Improvement Association of Chautauqua, Illinois.  In addition to her service as President to the L.C.I.A. she cultivated and grew the Pink Geranium, a small café establishment, to a weekend staple of the Chautauqua community.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Services at 12:30 p.m., Monday February 24th, 2025 at Jerseyville First Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will be held at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Saint Louis, Missouri. A procession to the cemetery will depart from Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville at 8:45 a.m.

Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or Tunnels to Towers can be made through the care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who has been entrusted with arrangements.   

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com 

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