~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. Gerard F. Dreiling
September 17, 1940 – September 19, 2025
While in college, by chance, Gerry met the love of
his life, Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Meister. Kathy drew his name out of a hat to be
her date for the evening. It was love at first sight…………
Gerard “Gerry” Francis Dreiling joined Delta Air
Lines 03-14-1966 and was based Atlanta.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, and by his two daughters and their
families. Services for Captain Dreiling will
be held October 7th….please see obituary below for arrangements.
PCN memorial site
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/roswell-ga/gerard-dreiling-12529326
IN THE CARE OF Roswell Funeral Home & Green
Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum
Gerard “Gerry” Francis Dreiling passed away
peacefully surrounded by his wife and family Friday, September 19, 2025.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday,
October 7, 2025, at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Roswell, GA. Reception to
follow. A service of inurnment, with full military honors, will take place at
St. Ann's Catholic Church, Marietta, GA.
The son of Dorothy and Sylvester Dreiling, he was
born on September 17, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up in Cincinnati, he
attended St. Clair Grade School, St. Xavier High School, and graduated from
Xavier University with a bachelor’s degree in business, while he was also an
ROTC cadet. Who knew that when Gerry raised his hand along with his friends
with interest in flying, he was about to embark on a career in aviation. He
served honorably as an aviation officer in the Army during the Vietnam War.
While in college, by chance, Gerry met the love of
his life, Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Meister. Kathy drew his name out of a hat to be
her date for the evening. It was love at first sight, and the couple wed in
1965. After a tour in Vietnam, he began a distinguished career with Delta Air
Lines, retiring as an L-1011 Captain after 31 years. His mission in life was to
live life to its fullest. As an avid athlete and sports fan, Gerry enjoyed many
sports, and, most of all, golf, of which he has numerous holes-in-one. He even
learned the game of soccer so he could coach the girls’ soccer team. During the
summer and fall, one would often find Gerry rooting for his favorite sports
teams – Atlanta Braves, Notre Dame and Auburn. He always looked forward to the
next travel experience whether it was by land, air or sea. The trips he
appreciated most were those with family including skiing, cruises,
participating in his grandchildren’s milestone events and visiting family
members all over the country. Gerry loved family and was always grateful for
the time spent with all. He was an adoring loyal husband, a loving father and
an amazing grandfather who will be, above all, known for his fun-loving spirit,
sense of adventure, and his gift for telling stories and jokes.
Additionally, Gerry was a man of strong faith,
service and had many interests. He was constantly giving of himself in so many
ways. Throughout his adult life, he was involved with the Knights of Columbus,
Eucharistic Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Clark Howard volunteers, and
natural disaster relief efforts. At home, he was meticulous about his lawn and
garden, especially, he loved his roses, and for many years he served as HOA
president in his neighborhood. Gerry never held back in putting forth his all in
everything he did. He set a great example of when you set your mind on a goal,
anything is possible. He had a way of making things happen and bringing
everyone else on board, all with a smile on his face and a positive attitude.
Gerry is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy
and father Sylvester Dreiling; brother-in-law Thomas Heidrich; and niece Susan
Heidrich.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and
best friend, Kathy Dreiling; daughter Debbie Dreiling Donohue (husband Chris);
daughter Beth Dreiling Sneed (husband Rob); grandchildren, Brian Donohue and
Erin Donohue; sister Anita Heidrich and nephew Mark Heidrich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations
be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter Chanel.
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