In Memory of Richard Edward Drees

Richard E. Drees, age 78, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014 at the Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s of Sioux City, Iowa.
          

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2014, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury, Iowa. The Reverend Dan Greving will officiate. Burial will follow at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Danbury, Iowa with military rites conducted by the American Legion Loren Hollister Post #496 of Mapleton, Iowa. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com 

Richard Edward Drees was born on January 13, 1936 in Carroll, Iowa to Richard W. and Leona (Reiman) Drees.  He grew up in the Carroll area and graduated from Carroll High School in 1954.  Following high school, Richard served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Richard married Bernice Rose Gross on June 7, 1958 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Maple River. Following their marriage Richard and Bernice farmed in the Carroll area.  The couple were blessed with seven children; David, Duane, Eileen, Richard, Dale, Trisha, and Donny.

In 1967 the family moved to their current farm in rural Mapleton.  Richard farmed and raised livestock until he retired.  Richard also worked as a carpenter.  Over the years, all of his sons worked with him in his carpentry business.

Richard was very active up until the time of his passing.  He enjoyed gardening, growing grapes, making wine, and his nightly Pinochle games with his loving wife.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife, Bernice of Mapleton, Iowa; children, David (Dawn) Drees of Danbury, Iowa; Eileen (Bob) Flood of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Richard (Deidre) Drees of Missouri Valley, Iowa; Dale (Lynn) Drees of Myakka City, Florida; Trisha (Kevin) Folchert of Sioux City, Iowa; Donny (Michelle) Drees of Mapleton, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Tara Drees of Webb, Iowa; seventeen grandchildren; Rene, Stuart, Craig, Caitlyn, Kyle, Michelle, Stephanie, Emily, Bill, Melissa, Sean, Matthew, Joshua, Joseph, Shauna, Daniel, Derek; four great-grandchildren; Sophia, Bennett, Harrison, Isabelle; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, son, Duane Drees; granddaughter, Alyssa Drees; sister Pearl and husband Almond “Mike” Brown; and infant sister, Eileen Drees.