Joseph Drey

Funeral services for Joseph Drey will be on Thursday, April 21st, 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early with Father Patrick O’Kane officiating. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Early under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is on Wednesday, April 20th, from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early with rosary at 4:30, 7:30 vigil, and Knights of Columbus rosary at 8:00.

Joseph John Drey, age 77, of Early, Iowa, passed away at the Loring Hospital in Sac City on Monday, April 18, 2005. Joe was born on August 22, 1927, near Early the son of John and Helena (Sampers) Drey. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early where he remained a lifetime member.

He grew up on a farm west of Early, attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, and graduated from Crestland High School in 1945. He attended Iowa State until he was inducted into the U.S. Navy, November 1, 1945. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal, achieving the rank of Fireman 2nd Class on his discharge November 15, 1946.

On January 31, 1953, Joseph and Marian Berger were united in marriage at Mt. Carmel, Iowa. They were blessed with nine children: Donna, Marvin, Dennis, Dave, Joanie, Kevin, Alan, Barbara, and Marilyn.

Joe was a farmer retiring in 1985. He took great pleasure in watching the progress of the crops, going out to the family farm to check on things, his antique tractor collection, visiting at the elevator, fishing, camping, listening to music, and dancing. He will be remembered as a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Joe served as Parish Director, on the Parish Council, Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s School Boards, Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He was very proud to be a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and was on the Honor Guard.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Marian; his sons: Marvin (Therese) Drey of Des Moines, IA, Dennis (Rhonda) Drey of Early, IA, Dave (Mary) Drey of Storm Lake, IA, Kevin (Sue) Drey of Pella, IA, and Alan (Linda) Drey of Sioux City, IA; his daughters: Donna (Doug) Carlson of Early, IA, Joanie (Bob) Buelt of Breda, IA, and Marilyn (Brent) Peters of Lake View, IA; twenty-eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Ken (Gladys) Drey of Creston, IA, John (Elaine) Drey of Pasadena, TX, Tom (Dorie) Drey of Council Bluffs, IA, Dorothy (Robert) Heisterkamp of Breda, IA, and Margaret Drey and Joan Drey both of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law, Chris Drey of Early; many nieces; nephews; extended family members; and friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Barbara in infancy; brother Peter; sister-in-law Kay Drey; and granddaughter Kayla.