Johanna Rosa Dreher

Johanna Rosa Dreher was born on March 3, 1925, in Gove County, Kansas and entered eternal life on December 9, 2025. Johanna was the fourth oldest child of Theodore and Rosalie Zimmerman’s fourteen children.

Life was not easy during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years on the Zimmerman family farm. But the Zimmerman’s prevailed through sheer tenacity, an unwavering work ethic and family-first values. Johanna began her years of serving others at the tender age of nine years old, becoming the primary caregiver of a baby sister when twins blessed the Zimmerman family. Johanna’s commitment to the care of her family members continued well after marriage.

Johanna could not complete her dream of graduating from high school because money simply was not available to buy books. Instead, Johanna began working outside of the family home and selflessly gave all her earnings to help support the Zimmerman family. Johanna’s only exception occurred when she kept money to buy a wedding dress.

Johanna met her future husband, Lawrence Dreher, at the one-room Sunshine School in first grade. It did not take long for Lawrence to declare, “I am going to marry you.” Lawrence was so determined to propose to Johanna; Lawrence rode his horse six miles from the Dreher farm to the Zimmerman farm in a snowstorm. Johanna and Lawrence married on November 14, 1944, then lived and worked the Dreher farm. Johanna and Lawrence moved to Commerce City, Colorado, and purchased their house in October of 1956. Johanna lived in that same home until moving to a senior community in May 2021.

In the early years of their marriage, Johanna struggled to carry a baby to full term. When the traveling Our Lady of Fatima statue came to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas, Johanna touched the statue and prayed for a baby. Nine months later Leon arrived. Twenty-two months after, Johanna gave birth to Joletta, a bit over three years later Janel followed, and Janice rounded out the family three years afterwards.

Johanna became a grandmother in February of 1972 and went on to become a loving grandmother of twelve, a great grandmother of fifteen and great, great grandmother of five.

Johanna hosted countless parties, barbecues, family gatherings, dinners, card parties and even the Dreher family Christmas Eve festivities until the age of 95. Johanna’s heart grew as her family grew, proudly sitting amongst her family filling pews at Christmas Eve Mass.

Johanna and Lawrence’s home became the stopping point for traveling family and friends. It did not matter if the visit lasted hours, weeks or months, Johanna loved cooking and tending to all who came. Johanna’s home served as a refuge for family members requiring Denver area doctor appointments, medical treatments and hospitalizations. Johanna housed and shuttled family without hesitation.

Johanna’s ability with needlework began at an early age. Johanna loved sewing, crocheting and embroidery. Johanna went on to become a talented, meticulous, and artistic seamstress. Johanna sewed her own clothes, matching outfits for her three daughters and herself as well as Catholic school uniforms.

Johanna decided to work outside the home to learn the skills necessary to custom make drapes. However, Johanna did not like leaving her children, so within two years Johanna made the business decision to turn the basement family room into her drapery shop. Johanna’s expertise flourished and she became a favored seamstress with her drapes, valances and sheers gracing fabric and interior designer’s showrooms. Although Johanna received a ninth-grade education, Johanna successfully managed her drapery business for over 40 years.

Once Johanna retired, she re-purposed the remaining drape material by creating blankets for every immediate family member. Johanna embroidered dozens of pillowcases embellished with crocheted edges that she affectionately gave away. Johanna also kept busy by crafting oven towels and aprons. For hours Johanna happily sat and sewed prizes to give away at the Zimmerman family reunion Bingo games.

Johanna was a woman of faith and gave her time, talent, and treasure to her church community. Johanna designed altar and tabernacle cloths rising to the challenge by creating the patterns herself. Johanna donated custom drapes to the church and rectory. Whatever the church needed, Johanna ensured she fulfilled every request.

Johanna fell asleep many nights praying the rosary. Johanna owned so many rosaries, every daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter and sister received a rosary. In her final days when asked what could be done to provide comfort, Johanna simply replied, “Pray.”

Johanna loved gardening and every summer her children, grandchildren and neighbors enjoyed the fruits of her labor. Before Johanna’s house sold in December of 2021, children and grandchildren split Johanna’s amazing strawberry plants from her strawberry patch.

Johanna had a wonderful sense of humor and loved playing games. Johanna was always ready to play Pitch or Durak, and at holiday gatherings won money regularly playing Left, Right, Center. Bingo was a favorite past time every Tuesday and Thursday at her senior community and Zimmerman family reunions.

Johanna is survived by her 4 children: Leon (Cindy) Dreher, Joletta (Jim) Suchey, Janel (Carl) Pearman, Janice (Mike) Ramos; 11 Grandchildren: Troy Evans (Julie), Tony Dreher (Jessica), Cory Pearman (Sarah), Michelle Mudge-Davis, Ryan Pearman (Jennifer), Nathaniel Dreher (Jennifer), Robert Haines, David Pearman (Justina), Sarah McElmurry (John), Ben Ramos (Emily), Dominic Ramos (Katie); 15 Great Grandchildren: Miranda Dreher (Brandon), Nathaniel Dreher, Jr., Isabella Dreher, Shaila Dreher, Jeremiah Dreher, Ty Evans, Tanner Evans, Braelynn Dreher, Blane Dreher, Jocelyn Evans, Josh White, Aubree Pearman, Kaylann Haines, Arlee Haines, Olivia Ramos; 5 Great, Great Grandchildren: Ava Dreher, Grayson Costa, Elijah Williams, Blake Costa, Rowan Costa; siblings Celestine Burgardt, Albina Moore, Loretta Waldman, Rowena Thomas (Clyde); brother-in-law Bill Knoll, sister-in-law Diane Zimmerman and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

Johanna is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, parents Theodore and Rosalie Zimmerman, siblings and (spouses): Katherine Younger (Clarence), Theresa Haffner (Steve), Joseph Zimmerman (Martina), Mary Racette (Gerald), Fabian Zimmerman (Opal), Edmund Zimmerman (Delores), Alberta Knoll, baby sister Emma, Fidelis Zimmerman, brother’s-in-law Gene Moore and Robert Waldman, grandson Anthony Peery and Godson Bill Zimmerman.

Johanna met a personal goal earlier this year of reaching her 100th birthday. Johanna’s unique opportunity of experiencing a century of life brings joy to all those around her. Johanna was so beloved, in her final days family surrounded Johanna in person and over the phone. Johanna’s legacy lives on and this precious woman will be treasured in her family’s hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers Johanna's family invites contributions to a charity dear to you in her name.