Robert John Drees

Robert John Drees, Bob, 53 years old, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away on January 16, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous two and a half year struggle with brain cancer. He was born on July 4, 1958, to Harry and Ellie Drees. He attended Christ the King Elementary School, Central Catholic High School and The University of Toledo, majoring in Law Enforcement and later in Business Management. Bobs greatest personal accomplishment was the birth of his children, Jacob and Olivia, by whom he is survived. Bob loved his children and cherished the time he spent with them, teaching them strong values and sharing his Catholic faith with them. Bobs greatest professional accomplishment was opening the Classic Caf restaurant 18 years ago. He truly enjoyed running the restaurant and treated his patrons and employees like extended family. He continued to run the business, even after his diagnosis, stating that he loved what he did. He was a lifelong member of Christ the King Parish, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and usher. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Drees, and niece, Jillian Drees. He is also survived by his mother, Ellie Drees, friend and mother of his children, Lisa Drees, brothers: Jim Marsha Drees, Tom Jean Drees, Rick Teresa Drees, Paul Renee Drees, and sisters: Kathy Drees, Vicki David Spratt, Mary Drees, and Jennifer Drees Dan Demski. Bob is survived by numerous nieces and nephews: Justin, Joel, Nick, Jason, Amanda, Matt, Mark, Madeleine, Sam, Summer, Lily, Joy and Jasmine Drees, Josiah Walls, Ryan, Katie, and Shawn Spratt, Mike and Joe Stiles, and Evan and Landry Donath. He is survived by his dear friend, Dee Dowling, and best friend, Roger Kurtz. Bob enjoyed his annual family trips to Hilton Head Island, outings with friends and family to Venturas restaurant, working out at the gym, landscaping his yard, and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He will be remembered for his gracious and generous personality. Bob wanted to thank his Classic Caf family, including his faithful employees and restaurant patrons, for their support and prayers. Bobs family would like to thank the physicians and staff of Henry Ford Hospital, Hospice nurse, Maureen Kratzer and the home health aides of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their wonderful care. Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2012, at Walker Funeral Home, with Scripture Service at 7:30pm. Funeral services will begin on Saturday with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Bill Rose at Christ the King Church. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Bobs name to Christ the King Catholic Church 4100 Harvest Lane Toledo, OH 43623 and to Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 E. River Rd. Perrysburg, Oh 43551. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.