Charles M. "Charlie" Drescher

Charles Michael Drescher died peacefully at his home in Lolo, Montana on July 5, 2022 and a grand presence was swept away from our world. Charlie was born on May 14, 1947 in Anaconda, Montana. He grew up in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1965. After spending a semester at the University of Montana, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he spent four years proudly serving his country – time that included a year in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Anaconda. On New Year’s Eve 1970, he went on a blind date with Jo Ellen Conwell, and they went on to spend the next 52 years together.
Charlie worked in Anaconda as a postal clerk for 42 years and as a bartender at Fairmont Hot Springs, Barclay II Supper Club, and later in retirement, at Discovery Basin. He loved to fish and spend time with family at his beloved cabin on Echo Lake, where generations of family and friends caught their first fish with Charlie’s encouragement and expert guidance.
Charlie impacted every person he encountered. He made everyone feel special with his warm smile, kind words, and jokes and stories. His booming laugh shook the room. At parties or gatherings of any size, you wanted Charlie behind the bar, grilling his signature ribeyes, and sharing your table.
He will be sorely missed by his wife, Jo Ellen, son Michael, daughter Heidi, son-in-law Andrew, and his grandchildren Isabel, Billy, and Sloane. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Amelie and Pat Lorello, brother Jack Drescher, and loving in-laws Jim and Jill Ann Shea, Bob and Lorry McKay, Colleen and Rick Liss, and many nieces and nephews who loved him so dearly. Lastly, he leaves behind the family he chose for himself, his very dear and close-knit friends who have woven themselves around the fabric of his big, wonderful life.
“Just one more…”
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1475 Eaton St. in Missoula on Tuesday, July 19 at 11:00 am. In remembrance, please consider donating to the Anaconda Community Foundation or Watson’s Children Shelter.