Kathleen D. Drake

Kathleen Diane Drake, age 76, passed away leaving behind a family and many friends who will remember her for her warm personality, generous spirit, and thoughtful ways of showing she cared. Born on January 31, 1950, in Pontiac, Illinois, she was the daughter of Harold and Norma (DeGroodt) Obert.

Kathleen graduated from Pontiac High School and continued her education at Western Illinois University. It was during her college years that she met David Holzhauer. The two were married in Davenport, Iowa, where they made their home and raised their family. In 1986, Kathleen moved with her family to Woodbury, Minnesota, and later lived in several communities throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. She married Chris Drake in 1999. Although their marriage eventually ended, they remained in contact through the years. In 2022, Kathleen made her home in Forest Lake, where she lived until her passing.

Those who knew Kathleen would describe her as bubbly, outgoing, talkative, friendly, and kind. She had a generous heart and was always willing to share her time and talents with others. While she tended to keep her own life private, she took a genuine interest in the lives of her family and friends. She wanted to know what was happening in their worlds and valued the connections that kept them close.

Kathleen had a special gift for making people feel remembered. She loved shopping, especially when it meant finding just the right gifts for her family during the holidays. She never missed an opportunity to send a greeting card, and receiving cards brought her just as much happiness. These simple but meaningful gestures were a reflection of who she was: someone who believed that the little things could make a big difference and that staying connected was always worth the effort.

She also enjoyed traveling, working on puzzles, and crafting. Her creativity lives on in the ceramic pieces she made, several of which remain with family members as treasured keepsakes. Each piece offers a tangible reminder of Kathleen's talents and the care she put into the things she created. Whether through a handmade gift, a thoughtfully chosen present, or a card sent in the mail, Kathleen found ways to share a little of herself with those she loved.

Above all, Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, and thoughtfulness. She will be remembered in holiday traditions, in cards received and saved, in the beauty of the things she crafted, and in the many small moments when someone recalls her friendly conversation, generous nature, or unmistakable enthusiasm for life. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Norma Obert; her sister, Carol Wilson; her brother, Steve Page; and her niece, Emily Higgins.

She is survived by her daughters, Angi (Jason) Ortiz and Tracy (Mike) Mehsikomer; her grandchildren, Ryne (Mariah) Bigelow, Zach (Yuli Monatukwa) Bigelow, Luke Bigelow, Grace Bigelow, Landon Mehsikomer, Evan Mehsikomer, and Brayden Mehsikomer; her great-grandson, Easton Bigelow; her siblings, Elaine Mitchell, Donna (Rick) Higgins, and Becky (Jim) Mattingly; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service celebrating Kathleen's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Kathleen will be remembered for the love she shared in countless thoughtful ways, the creativity she left behind, and the connections she worked so hard to maintain. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she gave will remain with her family and friends for years to come.