Julie Ann Drije

July 31, 1950 - October 30, 2017

Julie Ann Drije, 67, of Oskaloosa died Monday, October 30, 2017, at her home. She was born July 31, 1950, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Egbert) Buck. She graduated from Bloomington High School in Bloomington, Illinois with the class of 1968. She went on to earn her BA in Elementary Education in 1972 from Illinois State University. On August 19, 1972, she was united in marriage to Gregg Drije, at Bloomington, Illinois. Julie dedicated her working life to teaching. She started her teaching career in Beardstown, Illinois, she later taught at St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School in Centerville and Bloomfield Elementary Schools. The last twelve years of her career she taught in the Eddyville Blakesburg School District. She was a member of Faith Community Church in Eddyville. She enjoyed reading, watching game shows on television, and trips to the casino. She delighted in spending time with her family and friends. Her family includes her husband of over 45 years Gregg Drije of Oskaloosa; two sons, Jeff (Shelly) Drije of Bloomfield and Matt Drije of Oskaloosa; two granddaughters, Kyla Drije and Bailey McElroy; her sister, Lynne McAtee of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; three nieces, Pam, Nancy, and Susan; her nephew, Dakota; and her cat, Rosie. Julie was preceded in death by her parents and a sister in infancy. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Faith Community Church in Eddyville was Reverend Dan Visser officiating. As was Julie’s wish, her body will be cremated following the funeral ceremony. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Faith Community Church or Mahaska Hospice.