Recent obituaries have been posted for two area deaths, both young members of our community lost too soon.
Stephanie Drevlow O’Rourke, Hanover
Steph was so many things to so many people. She was an unassumingly amazing woman. While drawn to her wit, humor, positive attitude, innocent spirit, and fun nature you would never be aware of how much of an impact she made on so many people. She wanted it that way. Steph was informal, did things her own way, and just wanted everyone to have fun. She was a “toes in the sand, drink in hand” kind of girl but behind that she was driven to make the lives of others better. She lived her life to the fullest. She encouraged and helped others to do the same and led by example. She was a guiding light that will live on in our memories and through the continuation of her work by friends and family.
Steph was silly. On the first day of her Leukemia treatment she and her girls named the IV drip “Bob”. Occasionally she would take Bob for a walk through the halls of the hospital. She drew a mustache on her medical mask, because it brought a smile to everyone’s face. During her Chemo treatment, Steph just wanted to lie down on the cold tile floor to cool off but joked that the nurses might walk in and cart her down to psych, immediately. Even in the very serious moment of cancer treatment, Steph never took it too seriously.
Steph was a cheerleader. She started lifelong bonds with many friends while she cheered for Wayzata High School. She went on to cheer at Moorhead State where she graduated with a degree in psychology. Throughout her life Steph cheered on others through the ups and downs and always kept a positive attitude. Her greatest cheering opportunity came with her two beautiful daughters, Addie and Avery. She prided herself on never missing a band concert, soccer game, or horse riding event. During her treatment, Steph was devastated that she couldn’t be at Addie’s band concert. Steph’s younger sister, Laura, skyped it to her live so she could cheer Addie on like always.
Steph was dedicated. When she put her mind to something there was no stopping her. During college she decided to commit her life to helping others and received her undergrad in 4 years. She went on to receive her masters in 2 years. She then started a family, a career, and her doctorate program. She received her PHD and became a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist serving over 1000 clients in her community. She became involved with the St. Michael School system, offering pro bono services to anyone in need. Steph served on the Wright County Mental Health Advisory Council where she helped drive awareness and close the gaps in the Mental Health needs of the community.
Steph was family. She was the first child of Lauren and Nancy (Plum) Drevlow, big sister to John (Lisa) Drevlow and Laura (Travis) Roseth, mother of her two beautiful girls Addie (11) and Avery (10), aunt to several nieces and nephews, and granddaughter to Lawrence and Peggy Drevlow. Steph blurred the lines between friends and family. She brought and continues to bring people together to celebrate her and her life. The family has been fortunate enough to know many of those that meant so much to Steph throughout the years, especially her friend in love Joe Kagel, who passed away from cancer nearly 5 years ago. These friends a have become a part of our family and were there with us holding Steph’s hand as she peacefully passed into eternal grace on August 10th at the age of 40. Steph’s legacy will continue to live on in all of us.
Steph was preceded in death by her Grandparents Etta and Gordon Plum, her nephew Carter Mitchell, and her dear friend Joe Kagel.
A celebration of Steph’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. at St Michael Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Pkwy NE St Michael, MN. Visitation will be held at the church Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and one hour prior to her celebration on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Following the celebration there will be luncheon where we encourage others to rejoice in sharing Steph’s life.
Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Monticello.
Devin Brown, Monticello
Devin Brown, 14, Monticello, died suddenly Monday, Aug. 10, 2015.
Funeral services for Devin are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Peterson Funeral Chapel, St. Michael. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., also on Saturday at the chapel.