Kathleen Ann Drew

Kathleen Ann Drew, age 99, of Osage, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 1, 2026, at her home in Osage, Iowa, with her loving family by her side. Kathleen was born on January 20, 1926, the daughter of Walter and Esther Cordes of Mitchell, Iowa. Kathleen attended school in Mitchell, Iowa. Upon graduation, she attended St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minnesota, receiving a bachelor’s degree in public School Music Education in 1949. Further courses were taken at Pacific Lutheran College at Tacoma, Washington, the University of Washington at Seattle, and the Olaf Christiansen Choral Directing School at Lake Forest, Illinois. Kathleen then taught public school vocal music at Nora Springs for one year, continuing to teach K-12 vocal music at Osage until 1954.

Kathleen and R. Metz Drew were married on August 15, 1952, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, when the church was still located on Mechanic Street. The couple was happily married for 69 years, until Metz passed away in 2012. Two daughters were born to this union: Dorothy Drew Olsen of Blaine, Minnesota and Rochelle Drew of Osage, Iowa.

Kathleen had a great love for her Savior and her family. She was a wonderful wife and devoted mother. Kathleen was a prayer warrior, and then put her faith into action, helping many people in need throughout her life. Another love of Kathleen’s was that of sacred music. She sang in the St. Olaf Choir, under the direction of Olaf Christiansen. She was a vocal soloist for many church events, weddings, and funerals, often singing duets with her husband. Kathleen was a choir member since childhood and church choir director, at both Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Osage Alliance Church for a combined total of over 25 years. In addition, Kathleen taught the Bethel Bible Study Course, led her daughters’ Girl Scout troops, delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered in church and community work.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Dorothy Olsen of Blaine, Minnesota, and Rochelle Drew of Osage, Iowa; one son in law, Bruce Olsen of Blaine, Minnesota: one sister, Cleone Currence of Rochester, Minnesota; one brother-in-law, Evan Currence of Rochester, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Esther Cordes; her husband, Russell Metz Drew; one brother, Rev. Robert Cordes; three sisters-in-law, Dolores Drew Gross, Elaine Cordes, and Kay Drew; and two brothers-in-law, James Drew, and Joe Drew.

Kathleen’s funeral service will be held at First Grace Lutheran Church, 726 State Street, Osage, Iowa, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Staley and Gary Gilbert presiding. Visitation will be held at the church, an hour before the service. A light lunch will follow the service. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. May God bless Kathleen’s memory.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.