Oren N. Trefz

Augusta, GA – Oren Neumann Trefz (85) entered into rest on March 4, 2024. 

Oren was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Homer and Estelle Trefz. After high school, Oren joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea. After his military service Oren earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University. He began his career with Proctor and Gamble in 1967 working for them until 1976. This new career included moving to Augusta in 1967 to start an office in the Marion Building on Broad Street. In 1970, Oren ventured out and started Trefz & Trefz (Arby’s) with his brother Paul, opening his first restaurant Master’s week and a second location on Gordon Highway 6 months later. He retired in 2015 after 45 years and a total of 26 stores and over 500 employees. 

Oren had a larger-than-life personality and a mega-watt smile. People who knew him would tell you that there were three major things he loved and lived for: 1. Family – Oren loved his family fiercely and never hesitated to let everyone know that being a father was his proudest accomplishment. 2. Business – Oren was a businessman and proved that “success is 99% perspiration”. 3. Bass Fishing – when he was running his office, everybody knew not to call on Wednesdays because he was out on the lake fishing.

Oren was quoted in an article in 2007 saying “You have to age, but you don’t have to mature. Peter Pan is still in there”. He was a big kid at heart, always joking around and playing pranks. 

Oren was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Trefz, sister-in-law, Grace Trefz; niece, Robin Trefz; grand-nephew, Tyler Stueck. 

Oren is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Jason (Blair) Trefz; stepson Ian (Shannon) McQueen; grandchildren: Abby McQueen, Finn Trefz and Adelaide Trefz; his niece, Kristi Stueck; grand-nephew, Shannon Stueck.

Funeral will be March 16, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (605 Reynolds Street) with Rev. Dr. Eric Biddy officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at St. Paul’s. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190 or National Audubon Society, P.O. Box 8910, Topeka, KS 66608-9979.