Photos by SimplyMary
Hundreds gathered at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, August 18, 2026, to give and receive support after the tragic death of Nathaniel Drees, son of Joe and Santi Drees of Spring Valley. In his 17 years, Nathaniel touched countless lives through church, school, work, sports, and music. The candlelight service filled the church, grounds and parking area.
Father Gregory Parrott led the prayer service, which included singing “How Great Thou Art,” “Beautiful Savior,” and “Amazing Grace,” accompanied by Pat Utz.
Coach Matt Kolling’s written words of gratitude for Nathaniel and encouragement for his classmates, teammates, and friends, reminded them to “take care of each other and … lean on their families, teachers, coaches, and faith.” He encouraged them to honor Nathaniel through how they live, treat others, and share his memory.
Speakers celebrating Nathaniel’s life included Kingsland High School’s Ben Marcom, Saint Ignatius Confirmation instructor Bill Mettler, Kingsland Choir Director Jonathan Miller, and Nathaniel’s “Fun” Uncle, Dave Drees.
In Father Parrott’s sermon, he reminded us that although it is tempting to shut down at heart-wrenching times, “We cannot pass through this shadow of the valley of death on our own. We need each other. We need our family. We need our faith. We need God and the promise He gives us. There are no wrong feelings in times like these … God can handle whatever it is we’re feeling. We need only turn to Him and tell Him … God is with us, and He loves us, and He is giving us the strength to make it through this moment … together we weather this storm, this dark night, this terrible moment. We lift up Nathaniel in prayer. We lift up each other with the love and confidence of our faith in Jesus Christ and His promises. And day by day, moment by moment, we walk through the grief and the pain of this hour, knowing the light that awaits us, even more, we know the One who is the Light of the world.”
The service included a prayer that is special to the Drees family, the Divine Mercy Chaplet. After the final blessing, since it was Nathaniel’s Golden Birthday that day the family requested “Happy Birthday” be sung. Cake and one of Nathaniel’s favorite drinks, chocolate milk, were served following the service.
Nathaniel’s grandmother, Jan Drees, reflected, “It was overwhelming when we came out of the church and saw this realm of people giving us so much love and lifting us up.” She added, “Hopefully, they go home and hug their kids and know that the most important things in their lives are faith and family.”
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