Anthony Joseph Dreffs

Anthony "Tony" Joseph Dreffs, age 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 9, 2026. He was born on May 24, 1930, the son of Frank and Hedwig (Silvinski) Dreffs, and was a lifelong resident of Otsego County.

Tony spent his early years helping on the family farm and attending the Big Lake one-room schoolhouse. With deep farming roots ingrained, he later built his own farm, where he raised his family while also working at Standard Products.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, Tony especially loved going on hunting trips to Canada and out West with family and lifelong friends. He took great pride in his outdoor adventures, including harvesting three moose and catching a sturgeon. After a day in the woods, he could always be counted on to have lunch waiting on the stove for his grandkids. He loved sharing his deep appreciation for the outdoors and he proudly passed it down to his family.

Tony was a proud farmer, gardener and cook. He found his joy in bailing hay in the fields with his family and friends, raising animals, tinkering in the barn, growing his own vegetables, attending farm auctions, and preparing his favorite foods while listening to the Polkas. He found happiness in all life had to offer.

He was dedicated to his family, caring for his mother and brother until their passing. Tony, alongside his late wife, Agnes, raised their five children together on their family farm. Farm life instilled values of hard work and faith that have been passed down through generations. In his later years, he cherished time with his grandkids and great grandkids, always laughing, telling jokes, and sharing treats.

Tony is survived by his children; Ronald (Gerri), James (Ann), Gerald, and Darlene; grandchildren Tracy, Andrea, Mark, Allan, Brian, Steven, Gregory, Jeffery, Douglas, Adam, and Danita; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Hewdig Dreffs; his siblings John (Frances), Louis (Jane), Casey (Alice), Frank, Sophie, and Ann (Robert); his beloved wife Agnes; his son Robert; and his great-daughter Emmersyn Kay and great-grandson Knox.

Tony was a storyteller until the very end, always reminiscing and sharing memories of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Tony is now at peace in heaven, surely catching up with loved ones over a slice of cheesecake and a cup of coffee. He'll save us a slice when we get there too.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord where visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

Interment will take place in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Johannesburg.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.