Mary Drees

Obituary

Mary Drees, 91, Red Lake Falls, MN died Sunday, April 02, 2006 at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Red Lake Falls, MN. Mary Drees, 91, Red Lake Falls, MN died Sunday, April 02, 2006 at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Red Lake Falls, MN. Mary Elizabeth (Whalen) Drees was born December 6, 1914 at home on the farm north of Red Lake Falls, MN, the first born and daughter of George and Eva (McAndrea) Whalen. She graduated from St. Hilaire High School, finished Teachers Normal Training and began teaching in country schools in Red Lake County. Mary married Chris Drees and made their home in the house on the hill she bought for her family in 1941. Mary ran for and was elected to Red Lake County Superintendent of Schools. Mary and Chris owned and operated Murphy's Caf¨, Red Lake Falls. Mary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Guild, was sexton of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, was a Distinguished Alumni at St. Joseph School, and was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Foresters and Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include daughter, Gemma Drees Johnson, Red Lake Falls, MN; Mary also raised the five Nordby children, Tiffany (Terry) Sauer, Clancy, MT, Jennifer (Frank) Paterson, Shoreview, MN, Laurel Kayser, Missoula, MT, Joel, Missoula, MT and David, Missoula, MT; 2 grandchildren, Grace Johnson and Leland Johnson. Mary was matriarch of her family and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews all considered her their "Grandma Mary'; she is also survived by 3 sisters, Leone Anderson, Willmar, MN, Grace Thorson, New London, MN, and Kitty (Ralph) Gagnon, Brooklyn Center, MN. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Thomas, Kieran, Joseph; sisters, Rose and Anne; and Husband, Chris in 1987. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2006 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Red Lake Falls, MN. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Red Lake Falls. Visitation will be 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Friday with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Red Lake Falls and for one hour prior to the service, Saturday. Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com