Paul Drier
Dateline: Arkansaw
Paul Drier, age 97, of Arkansaw
Born: March 10, 1910
Died: February 4, 2008 at the Oakview Care Center, Durand
Paul was born in a log house in Little Arkansaw Valley. He was the son of August and Theresa (Lieffring) Drier. He was their fifth son. Paul attended the nearby rural school and Arkansaw High School, graduating in 1928. After working on the farm for one year, Paul attended Eau Claire College to study for a teaching certificate. Upon completion of one year of study, he was hired to teach at the Duscham School in Pepin County for three years. He then taught at the White Block School for four years. Paul went on to earn a four year degree in elementary education. By attending regular courses and summer school he was able to earn his degree by 1939. He went on to earn a secondary degree by 1955.
His Alma Mater, Eau Claire University was his main study program, but he also earned credits from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and psychology studies with Dr. Long at Columbus University in New York City. Paul’s teaching career ended after 17 years in the Ellsworth School District. He retired in 1974. In his long tenure, he set an example of good quality discipline which was copied by teachers and respected by students. He succeeded in becoming an icon for solid behavior and 98% of his students made mention favoring his discipline and behavior technique and policy.
After retiring from teaching, Paul worked on his five acre ranch doing odd jobs, trapping and gardening. He taught school for 41 years and never missed a day due to illnes, a record few could match. For the past two years, he has resided at the Oakview Care Center in Durand.
Paul is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Lambert, Charles, Arthur, Kenneth and Giles Drier, and one sister, Kathryn (Drier) Gilles.