Obituary of Joseph Fredrick Dreibelbis

Joseph F. Dreibelbis, 60, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

He was born on February 17, 1959 in Niles to the late Charles R. and Patricia A. (Schrumph) Dreibelbis.

A Niles High School graduate, class of 1977, Joe went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from Western Michigan University. After college, Joe worked in accounting and management for Rieth-Riley Construction Company for over fifteen years and then twenty years Schafer Industries.

On June 19, 1982 he wed Rene E. Johnson and to that union they had two sons, Joshua and Tyler, later ending in divorce.    

On September 2^nd, 2000 Joe married his former high school sweetheart, Annette “Annie” M. Fralick at a ceremony in Charlevoix, Michigan. Joe played various sports throughout high school including, baseball, softball, basketball and was on the track team. His passion for sports continues as he was a University of Michigan and White Sox fan. 

Joe has left a great impact on family, friends and coworkers. In keeping with his generous spirit, he donated his corneas so that someone else could see the beauty in this world.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Elliott; a cousin, John Gregory Schrumph and his father-in-law, Oakley Fralick.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Annette Dreibelbis of Niles; his two sons, Joshua (Mallory) Dreibelbis and Tyler Dreibelbis, both of Niles; two grandchildren, Hayes and Hayden; cousins, Kay (Pete) Payne of Niles, Beth (Jerry) Mumaw of Florida and Jane (Dana) Lucero; Annette’s mother, Dorothy Fralick of Niles and a brother-in-law, Leonard Elliott.

His family will gather for a private remembrance.

Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or to Riley Children's Foundation, 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Memories of Joe may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.