Louise Drye

Louise Drye, age 93, of Lena, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Aster Assisted Living in Monroe, WI. Born November 9, 1932, in rural Gratiot, WI, she was the daughter of Henry and Leona (Gille) Stietz. On September 20, 1952, Louise married the love of her life and favorite dance partner, Charles H. Drye. Together, they built a life full of family, laughter, and joy.

Louise was a dedicated worker, serving as team lead on the assembly line at Swiss Colony and later in the Data Processing department at Freeport Memorial Hospital. Beyond her career, she was known for her passion for bowling, participating in the Women's National Bowling Tournament numerous times. She took great delight in playing volleyball, softball, cards, and Scrabble, as well as taking walks, exploring the woods, gardening, ice skating, and skiing with her children and grandchildren.

Family was always at the center of Louise's life. She cherished time spent with relatives, loved to travel, and always welcomed her children's friends into her home. Her positive spirit, generous heart, and joyful presence touched everyone she met, and she will be lovingly remembered for making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Louise was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena.

She is survived by her children: Donna (Steven) Jungen of Freeport, IL; Cathy Ralston of Waterloo, IA; Cynthia Wells of Oswego, IL; Marianne (Richard) Janicke of Lena, IL; Betty (Stephen) Lindstrom of Belvidere, IL; Jeffrey (Mary) Drye of Macomb, MI; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Clara Gerber of Arizona and Rose Stietz of Wisconsin.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Charles H. Drye, son Charles A. Drye, son-in-law Mark Rosenberger, four brothers, and three sisters.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena, with a visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Father Andrew Hernandez will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at St. Joseph's after the service.

A memorial has been established in Louise's name.