Richard Edward Drees 1936 - 2014

DREES, REIMAN, GROSS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2014 at 13:20:58

Sioux City Journal
20 February 2014

MAPLETON, Iowa | Richard E. Drees, 78, of Mapleton passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Danbury, Iowa. The Rev. Dan Greving will officiate. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Loren Hollister Post 496 of Mapleton. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Richard Edward Drees was born on Jan. 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, Iowa. 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; children, David (Dawn) Drees of Danbury, Eileen (Bob) Flood of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Richard (Deidre) Drees of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Dale (Lynn) Drees of Myakka City, Fla., Trisha (Kevin) Folchert of Sioux City, and Donny (Michelle) Drees of Mapleton; daughter-in-law, Tara Drees of Webb, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, Rene, Stuart, Craig, Caitlyn, Kyle, Michelle, Stephanie, Emily, Bill, Melissa, Sean, Matthew, Joshua, Joseph, Shauna, Daniel, and Derek; four great-grandchildren, Sophia, Bennett, Harrison, and 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.