Obituaries : Glenn John Frederich Drahn

Glenn John Frederich Drahn, 95, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away May 6, 2025 at the Belle Plaine Specialty Care, Belle Plaine, IA.

Glenn was born December 31, 1929 to Glender Arthur and Irene Anne (Williamson) Drahn in Monona, IA. He graduated from Elkader High School, class of 1947. On July 10, 1949 Glenn was united in marriage to Elaine Julia Broessel at the United Methodist Church, Monona, IA. Glenn then attended college at the University of Iowa where he played football and baseball. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves, playing minor league baseball for the Cedar Rapids Braves. He was also drafted as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, but decided to pursue teaching and coaching as it was much safer and more profitable. He began his career in Belle Plaine, IA working as a biology teacher and coach. He coached everything from football, baseball, tennis, track and more. Glenn later moved to Washington, IA continuing to work as a teacher and coach. In the fall of 1957, Glenn went to work for Coe College as assistant football and head baseball coach; with his summers off he enjoyed playing semi pro baseball in Estherville, IA. In 1960, Glenn became the Head Football coach and Athletic Director for Coe College for 14 years before he began his journey selling insurance and financial planning. Glenn started at Ohio National Ins Co. before moving back to Belle Plaine where he purchased Earl Park Agency, which became Drahn Insurance. Drahn Insurance continues to thrive under the leadership of Glenn's family.

Glenn enjoyed fishing, spending time at their cabin on the Mississippi River and being with family. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Methodist Church, many bridge clubs and a founding member of the Belle Plaine Library.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Elaine Drahn of Belle Plaine; children, Deborah Lynn Drahn, Rebecca Sue (Richard) Martin both of Kalona, Mark G. (Gay Beth) Drahn of Belle Plaine, Derek Scott (Terri) Drahn of Burleson, TX, David John (Audra) Drahn of Cedar Rapids; brother, Don (Sharon) Drahn of Monona; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Jeff Drahn.

Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Faith in Christ Church, Belle Plaine, IA with visitation prior to the service from 12 -1:30 p.m. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Monona Cemetery, Monona, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.