(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
On September 22, 2015, the family of Mr. Dreger, Village and Town officials, and members of the community attended the dedication ceremony where a commemorative plaque was unveiled of the new Leon T. Dreger Hall. At the April 23, 2015 Somers Annual Meeting, the citizens voted unanimously in favor of making a lasting tribute to honor Leon T. Dreger by naming its auditorium the Leon T. Dreger Hall.
Dreger served on the Somers Plan Commission starting in 1968, serving as Chairman for twenty years. In addition, he served on Board positions for Kenosha County and several other not-for-profit organizations. He was admired by many for giving his time and talent to helping people in the Somers community, and to his country, serving in Normandy and the Battle of the Budge during World War II. Read more here.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Somers Village President, George Stoner and Somers Town Chairman, Ben Harbach. Said Stoner, “may the people of Somers gather in the new Leon T. Dreger Hall with the spirit of friendship, learning, and serving others. We should all be inspired by how Leon conducted his everyday life as a farmer, father, and neighbor, in addition to his commitment to serving his community and his country.”
Shirley Mandernack, who served on the Town of Somers Plan Commission for 34 years, spoke about her memories of working with Leon Dreger. “One of the things I remember most about Leon was his extensive knowledge of the tile systems on the various farm fields in Somers. When a zoning or drainage issue came up, he always knew what fields had drainage tiles, where they were, probably who put them in, when it was done, and why! Believe me, his input was always valuable and appreciated. I also served with him during the proposed Kenosha airport expansion project. There were many meetings, discussions, and community input relating to the project; however, the Plan Commission, under his leadership, produced a recommendation document to the Board. On a personal note, I learned from mutual friends that Leon could dance a mean polka back in the day. He enjoyed going to Bloxdorf’s Dance Hall on Saturday nights to dance. So, I say to Leon, keep on dancing, and thanks for all you have done for our community.”
Village of Somers President, George Stoner and Town of Somers Chairman, Ben Harbach unveil the Leon T. Dreger commemerative plaque
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
George Stoner, Shirley Mandernack, Ben Harbach
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
George Stoner, Shirley Mandernack, Dwight Dreger (son of Leon T. Dreger) and Ben Harbach
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
Family of Leon T. Dreger who attended the Dedication Ceremony
Left to Right: Keenan Dreger (nephew from Cleveland, Ohio), Garriet Dreger (brother from Pleasant Prairie), Dwight Dreger (son from Shaumburg, Illinois), Viola Dreger (sister-in-law from Pleasant Prairie), Keith Dreger (nephew from Somers) and his wife, Debbie Dreger
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)