Zelna L. Dreves, 82, of Traverse City and formerly Paradise, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 21st, 2018 at the Villa at Traverse Point.

Zelna was born on April 6th, 1935 in Nelma, Wisconsin to the late Jess and Nina (Spencer) Puishis.

She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1953.

On September 25th, 1954 she married John Joseph Dreves at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. Together they raised five children - James R. Dreves of Bellaire, Michael J. Dreves of Bellaire, Kandee (Don) Wyatt of Munising, Susan Noble of Williamsburg, and Kathy (Tom) Lang of Kingsley. They have nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Their grandchildren are Kristen Dreves, Kim (Jeff) Risdon, Jennifer (Joshua) Daniels, Jonathon Dreves, Matthew Dreves, Tanya Lang, Jessica Lang, Kayle Noble and Nicole Noble. Great grandchildren are Breeanna Lang, Kaydence and Jeffrey Risdon, Jenevieve, Jaxon and Jameson Daniels.


Zelna worked for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools for 23 years as a school secretary before retiring due to ill health. She truly loved her job and being able to watch all of the students grow up.

Zelna along with her husband John retired to Paradise in 1996. She enjoyed reading, rock hunting, watching the birds (especially her beloved cardinals) and watching Wheel of Fortune and sports on TV. Together she and John enjoyed walks on the beaches of Lake Superior and hunting for agates. They were very fond of Paradise and being apart of the local community. Zelna was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City and Our Lady of Victory in Paradise. Her faith was a very important part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 from 4-6pm at Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home. The rosary will be prayed at 6pm.

The funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2018 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City.

Zelna will be interred at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens next to her beloved husband John.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, St. Francis Catholic Church, GTACS or Our Lady of Victory Parrish in Paradise.

Please share thoughts with the family at Zelna's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and cremation services.