Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus

Of Waukesha, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at his home in Waukesha, WI at the age of 81.

Governor Dreyfus received his BA, MA and PHD from the University of Wisconsin Madison.  He was the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point from 1967 until 1978, he was elected Governor, State of Wisconsin, from 1979 until 1983, President of Sentry Insurance from 1983 until 1984. From 1984 until his retirement he was a National /International Speaker.

Governor Dreyfus was a member of Kappa Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Speech Fraternity, a Free Mason (33 degree), longtime member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church and a life member of the American Legion. He proudly served in the US Navy in WWII from 1944-1946. He served on several boards such as the Marcus Corporation and Associated Bank Corporation.

Governor Dreyfus will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce (nee Unke) of 61 years; children, the Honorable Lee S. (Susan) Dreyfus, Jr. of Waukesha and Susan (Rev. James) Dreyfus-Fosdick of Eagle River, WI; grandchildren, James Jr., Christopher Lee, Jennifer Susan, Kathleen Elizabeth, Lee Sherman III, and Clare Bluett; great grandchildren, James “Jaz”, Isabella, Sophie, and Luke; as well as his nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Governor Dreyfus was preceded in death by his parents, Woods O. and Clare (Bluett) Dreyfus; brothers, Woods and Neal Dreyfus.

The public visitation for Governor Dreyfus will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2008 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 PM at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building, 141 N.W. Barstow Street, Waukesha, WI  53186-3789.  

The Rose and Salt Ceremony performed by the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building, 141 N.W. Barstow Street, Waukesha, WI 53186-3789. Immediately following will be a Masonic Memorial Service performed by the Waukesha Lodge # 37 concluding with a brief Public Prayer Vigil Service.

A Funeral Mass with special intention is scheduled for the immediate family and personal friends of Governor Dreyfus on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 111 E. Main Street, Waukesha, WI  53187. A visitation for the immediate family and personal friends of Governor Dreyfus will be held on Monday, January 7, 2007 from 9:30 AM until the time of the 11:00 AM Mass at the church. A private family burial will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha, WI with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Matthias Endowment Fund PO Box 824, Waukesha, WI 53187 or Three Pillars-Riverside Lodge, 410 North Main St., Dousman, WI 53118.