Service Information
Drew D. Kamrath, age 50, of Mankato, formerly Stewart, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, in Mankato.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Cosmos, Minnesota.
Obituary
Drew was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 7, 1970, weighing 7 pounds and 7 ounces. At the age of eight days, he was named Drew Duane Kamrath as he was welcomed into the loving adoptive home of Duane and Grace Kamrath and his older brother, Dean. Two younger sisters Gail and Gwen joined the family. The Kamrath family lived in Ryan, Iowa, where Drew was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church.
Early in his first year of life, it became apparent that Drew had limited vision and this would remain a challenge all of his life. The optic nerve never developed during pregnancy as well as his speech impediment were limitations that Drew worked through and never complained.
Drew truly enjoyed art and could copy something he had seen in a picture or person almost perfectly. As one of his nieces said, “Uncle Droopy can draw anything.”
For 10 years Drew lived in Stewart, Minnesota, where he was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Stewart High School. A highlight for Drew was during his senior year, he was the center on the offense for the Stewart Gophers who played at the Metrodome in the prep bowl football team. Drew played the baritone in the band, was a varsity wrestler, and was on the track team. Drew furthered his education at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, because of their exceptional art department. With his Associate's Degree, he transferred to Mankato State University.
After graduation, Drew worked in the Mankato West High School print shop. In 1997, he began his 23-year career at Walmart. He was a conscientious and loyal employee.
As a single person, he became very interested in collecting Star Wars and Disney items. He had a library of DVDs such as documentaries, history, classic movies, and Star Wars. During these 23 years, he has enjoyed the company of Matt and Amy Thompson who were great board game players. Drew studied the Japanese language. He also recently went on a Pacific Ocean cruise and a trip to Ireland.
In the last ten years, he struggled with various health issues. Drew left us too suddenly on December 30, 2020. His kindness, gentleness, and loyalty endeared him to all his family and friends. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and even though Drew is gone from this earth to Heaven, he will remain in our hearts forever.
Drew is survived by his:
Parents, Duane and Grace Kamrath of Cosmos, MN;
Brother, Dean (Patti) Kamrath of Dayton, MN;
Sisters, Gail (Chris) Carbonaro of Livermore, CA,
Gwen (Zoran) Donev of Mankato, MN;
Uncle and Godparents, Roger (Joyce) Kamrath of Mankato, MN;
Nephews and Nieces, Adam, Britta and Carlie Kamrath, Sam, Vinny and Gabby Carbonaro, and Sophia and Eva Donev;
Drew was Baptismal Godparents to Britta and Vinny;
Many other cousins, relatives and friends.
Drew is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Myron and Esther Kamrath, Palmer and Lenora Radtke; Uncle Darold Kamrath and Uncle Stephen Radtke.
Laurel and Carol says
Duane and Grace you both are in our prayers. Losing a son is hard but He is in God’s hands now. Duane and Grace you both are close friends to us. May the Lord strengthen you and your whole family at this hard time.
Evelyn Barnes says
Sorry for your loss. Sympathys thoughts and prayers for the family. He was a great worker at Walmart when I worked there.
Jessica Britton says
My condolences to the Kamrath family. Drew was an incredibly talented artist and will be missed dearly.
Nathaniel Braam says
It was a pleasure to work with drew at Walmart. We will miss him dearly. R.I.P drew. You were one of the best. Thoughts an prayer to the family!
Jean Campbell says
Duane and Grace
How stunned I was when I read about your son. We extend our deepest sympathy. May God wrap his arms around you for peace and strength in the days and weeks ahead. We’ll be praying for all of you.
Jean and Dean
Marilyn Loan says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember when Drew came into your life. You have our deepest sympathy and will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rena says
Duane and Grace
We are Sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers to the family. We had the privilege of meeting Drew a few times when we were neighbors of Grace & Duane. He is at peace in God’s hands.
Donna wiechman Hinnenkamp says
My sympathies to the family especially Pastor Duane and Grace.Gods peace.
Mary Zieman says
Pastor and Grace, so sad for your loss of your dear Drew! Our prayers are for you and the whole family! He is in our dear Lords arms now! All our love!
Kelly Behnke says
Sending you strength and love during this difficult time.
Lynn Friedrichs says
I send my sympathies and prayers to the whole Kamrath family.
Tonya Slack says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to work with Drew at Walmart.
Brad Daak says
The whole Kamrath family has my sympathy and prayers.
Kathy ferraro says
Drew was such a great guy and my brother Matt’s best friend. We played many games together and spent good quality companionship as a group at Drew’s house and Matt/ Amy’s house with games, eating and watching movies. He was a great artist with a wonderful sense of humor! I will miss you Drew?
Jim & Virginia Grabow says
We are sorry to read about the loss of your son. Praying God’s comfort and peace for you.
Phyllis Kenning says
So sorry to hear of Drew’s passing. He was a very likable young man.
Debra J Minnick says
Duane and Grace, Our sympathy to you and your family. Mark and Deb Minnick
Ellen Caufman says
Duane and Grace I send my sympathy to you on the passing of your son Drew. May God continue to give you strength and comfort today and in the days ahead. God bless you ??
Ellen Caufman
Curt Burns says
Kamrath Family, Our thoughts and Prayers our with you all during this difficult time of Drew’s passing. I will never forget Drew’s smile and his wonderful drawing pieces he created at Stewart High School.
Jo Reck says
After reading all the condolences I can only deduce that your Drew was a bright light in everyone’s life he touched. I don’t know you but I too have lost both a son and a daughter, both in separate car accidents. I know the pain, the disbelief, the hollow, lonely feeling of such a tremendous loss. The healing journey is not an easy one, and it lasts as long as your love for Drew will last…in other words, forever. In time you learn to live with the happy memories, the ones that bring a smile to your face. I pray God blankets you with comfort, peace, and amazing memories, to help you through the days and weeks ahead. I lead a grief support group called, The Compassionate Friends, tailored for bereaved parents. As soon as it is safe to resume contact meetings, I invite you to join us for our self help group support. My number is 320-583-6036. I am here for you any time you would want to talk. We meet in Hutchinson on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Oakland Chapel right next to the Oakland Cemetery at 6:30 pm. Please contact me~ May God bless your aching hearts~
Ramona Wright says
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your Family.
Bobby and Sheri Jackson says
Bobby and I are so sorry for your family’s loss Gail, and we are thinking about you daily. Prayers from the Jackson Family to yours.
Mark and Lynn Sullivan says
Dean, Patti and families,
Our sympathy for the loss of your dear brother and family member. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers during this sad time.
Deb Reichwald says
I am very sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Jessie carbonaro says
I am so sorry for your loss, Drew was a wonderful person and will be missed. Sending the family love and strength during this time.
Virginia & Jim Kirchoff says
Our prayers to you and your family at this difficult time; may Gods strength, love, comfort, and His great promise of eternal life fill your hearts. Our deepest sympathies.
Michael Terwilliger says
Sorry for your loss. My prayers for your entire family. Drew was an outstanding gentleman, friend, and co-worker. He always had a smile and brought smiles to those around him. He will be greatly missed by all
Carol Maiers says
Duane , Grace and family, we are so sorry and saddened to hear of Drew’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Carol & Greg
Jan Schlender says
Duane and Grace, my sympathy to you and your family. So sorry to hear this sad news.
Curtis Strand says
Grace and Duane, and family,
Connie, John S., and I loved working with Drew as well as Dean, Gail and Gwen in school, and yourselves in church matters. Drew was a tremendously hard worker on the football field. He had a great support group of teammates that only had to follow his lead in how hard to play the game. He was the ultimate player. He did whatever you asked him to do and more. I knew of his art prowess as I saw him sketching during Biology lecture, I didn’t bust him, but ask him about the sketches after class. He was a talented, over-achieving young man. He was a product of his upbringing, congratulations mom and dad you were successful. Drew and your family are in our hearts and our prayers.