William F. Drerup

William “Bill” Frank Drerup, 89, of Avilla, Indiana, passed peacefully on June 16, 2026.

Bill was born on July 10, 1936, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Urban Francis and Helen Leona (Coffelt) Drerup, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Barbara Ellen (Probst) Drerup of Avilla, Indiana. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Bill was a proud father to Brenda Drerup (Gary Hicks) Avilla, Becky Drerup, NP (Dr. Chris Deisler) Rome City, and Bryan (Amy) Drerup, Avilla and his nephew Brett (Tammy) Huffman, Avilla, IN whom he loved as a son. He was also a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored deeply: Jessica Johnson (Kurt Raatzs) Kalamazoo, MI, Joleen (Brad) Rose, Wawaka, IN, Megan (Brody) Logan, Wolcottville, IN, Morgan (Damian) Schmitt, Rome City, IN, Amanda (Justin) Abbring, Wheatfield , IN, Trent Landers, Howe, IN, and Kayla Drerup (Chris Snyder), Pierceton, IN. Great-grandchildren: Johnathan and Katharine Rose, Charlotte and Bryan Snyder.

Bill is also survived by his two sisters, Jean Bishop and Rosemary Jones, both of Auburn, Indiana along with many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Mitchell of Avilla, Indiana. A man of many talents, Bill spent the majority of his career owning and operating William Drerup & Son Excavating, a business that remains in the family and is now owned and operated by his son, Bryan. Earlier in life, he worked as an engineer for the B&O railroad, a job he loved and often reminisced about, sharing stories of his adventures and the people he met along the way. Prior to his work with the railroad, Bill worked for the State of Indiana Engineering and Highway Department where he was instrumental in the construction and design of interstate 69. As another part of what he accomplished with the State of Indiana, Bill helped clean up the Palm Sunday destruction left behind by the tornados that struck Shipshewana in 1965.

Bill found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of draft horses and took pride in caring for them. He and Barbara shared a passion for ballroom dancing, spending nearly 50 years on the dance floor together. Bill was a proud 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master of the Avilla Lodge #460 F&AM, and he served his community faithfully for 25 years on the Civil Service Draft Board. He was an active member of the Moose, American Legion, and Eagles. Known for his warm and welcoming spirit, Bill never met a stranger—everyone was greeted like family, and there was always a place at his table. Known for his signature handlebar mustache, cowboy hat, and boots, Bill was a recognizable and unforgettable presence. He was fondly referred to as "The Godfather" by many who knew him. He had a deep admiration for John Wayne and believed strongly in living by the values of the cowboy way—strength, integrity, and respect.

Above all, Bill was a deeply faithful man and a devoted Catholic throughout his life. His faith guided him, and his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him. Visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Masonic service by the Avilla Masonic Lodge at 4 p.m. and a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Visitation will also be Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 228 North Main Street, Avilla.

Mass of Christian Burial will also be on Tuesday, beginning at 11 a.m. at the church with Father Dave Voors officiating.

Burial will follow in Sweet Cemetery near Albion. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Brett Huffman, Mathew Bishop, Trent Landers, Brody Logan, Damian Schmitt, Justin Abbring, Chris Snyder, Bryan Snyder, Brad Rose, Johnathan Rose, Kurt Raatz, and Christopher Jones.

Preferred memorials are to the Avilla Masonic Lodge.

View a video tribute after Tuesday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com