Lorraine Drey, age 89 of Early, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA. Ruth Lorraine Kotz was born on November 6, 1935, to parents Henry and Teresa (Haley) Kotz, the first baby born in what was then the new hospital in Ida Grove. She grew up in the Schaller area and attended Rural Eden #9 Country School for four years before attending school in town. Lorraine graduated at the age of sixteen as valedictorian of her class in 1952 from Schaller Community School. After high school she worked at the Schaller Hospital and then at the bank in Schaller.
In June of 1956, Lorraine married Roger Drey at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Schaller, IA. They settled on the Drey family farm west of Early. The farm was named a Century Farm in 1976. Lorraine and Roger were blessed with five children: Laurel, Steven, Dean, Gail, and Lynn. Lorraine helped Roger on the farm and was a stay-at-home mom until 1982, when she began working for Crossroads Feed/Iowa Feeders Supply. She and Roger moved to town in 1990, and sadly, Roger passed away at the age of 63 in 1994. Lorraine retired in 2000.
Lorraine served her church and community well and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. She was a Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD for many years, a devoted Guild member, and served many diocesan meals. She was a teacher’s aide for several years and coached junior high girls’ basketball for two years. Lorraine was a regular blood donor throughout her life and also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Lorraine really enjoyed sewing, crocheting and quilting. Over the years, she made many quilts for her loved ones. She kept a daily diary for the last 60 years, including information such as daily activities, visitors, phone calls, the price of gas, corn and beans, the weather, and so much more. These diaries have, and continue to settle many family disputes! She also made many pillowcases for the pediatric department at BVRMC in Storm Lake. She enjoyed putting together puzzles, going on walks, and was an avid reader. She always looked forward to the ‘Golden Girls’ get-togethers as they would celebrate birthdays over lunch. Lorraine also liked hosting coffee at her home with several of her close friends on a regular basis.
Lorraine loved her family and spending time with them. She was very proud of her children and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her earthly life is over, but her new home with our one and only Savior is surely more wonderful than anything ever imagined. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her children: Laurel (Bill) Kinnetz of Emmetsburg, IA, Steven (Jean) Drey of Storm Lake, IA, Dean (Deb) Drey of Early, IA, Lynn (Tod) Christensen of Adel, IA, and son-in-law Mike Roder of Washington, IA; grandchildren: Jackie (Steve) Deppe, Tyrel (Catelin) Drey, Tasha (Taylor) Goodvin, Alyssa (Nick) Woods, Renae Drey, Megan (Mark) Roy, Brian (Lauren) Roder, Kyle Roder, Michaela Roder, Matthew Roder, Noah Christensen, and Celeste Christensen; great-grandchildren: Kole, Sam and Ben Deppe, Dorothy Drey, Parker Goodvin, Andie Roder, and Adley Roy; sister Clare (Ron) King of Bellevue, WA; sister-in-law Ruth Wright of Storm Lake, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Drey; daughter Gail Roder; parents Henry and Teresa Kotz; parents-in-law George and Alice Drey; and sister Margaret Pyle.
The family would like to thank the staff at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake as well as St. Croix Hospice for the amazing, compassionate care that Lorraine received from all of them. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made. The family will be donating those to area organizations/charities that were dear to Lorraine, in her memory.
