Gail Drolema Obituary, Cause of Death – Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother Remembered

Gail R. Drolema, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Albany, Illinois. She was 71 years old.

Born on December 19, 1954, in Clinton, Iowa, Gail was the daughter of Russell David and Gladys Marie (Cronin) Naftzger. She was deeply proud of her family heritage and carried the values of love, service, kindness and faith throughout her life.

Remembering Gail R. Drolema

Gail married Roger Gene Drolema on October 8, 1977, at Immaculate Conception Church in Fulton. Together, they built a loving family centered on faith and devotion.

She was the proud mother of Jesse and Abbey (Fassbinder) Drolema of Dubuque, Iowa, and Alyssa (Drolema) and Brett Hatfield of Bettendorf, Iowa. Gail especially treasured her two granddaughters, Lauren Drolema and Ava Hatfield, and loved watching them grow and participate in activities including theater and gymnastics.

Gail will be remembered for her warm personality, kindness and nurturing spirit. She loved spending time with family and friends, organizing family gatherings and reunions, taking her grandchildren to the theater, gardening and shopping.

Her home was beautifully decorated for every season, reflecting her love of flowers, design and creating a welcoming environment for others.

Gail Drolema’s Career and Community Service

A graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1973, Gail later studied horticulture at Sauk Valley Junior College in Dixon.

Her passion for flowers led to a career as a floral designer, with work at Gramer's Florist in Lyons, Iowa; Wilson Floral in Morrison and Fulton; and Country Orchids in Fulton.

Gail also dedicated many years to the Riverbend School District, working at Albany Grade School and Fulton High School as a school aide and IT specialist before retiring in 2017.

She treasured the friendships she developed through the school district and remained connected with many of those friends throughout her life.

Gail was also a faithful member and volunteer at St. Patrick's Church in Albany, where her commitment to her faith and community was an important part of her life.

Gail Drolema Cause of Death

Gail Drolema passed away at home surrounded by her family on August 28, 2026. The obituary does not identify a specific cause of death.

Her family expressed gratitude to MercyOne Clinton, The Alverno, and MercyOne Genesis Hospice of Bettendorf, Iowa, for the compassionate care provided to Gail and her loved ones.

Gail Drolema Survived By

Gail is survived by her husband, Roger Gene Drolema; her children and their families; her granddaughters, Lauren and Ava; her siblings Greg Naftzger and Jill (Tom) Doherty; niece Megan (Doherty) Infantino and Robbie Infantino; and great-nieces Haley, Kendall and Leah Infantino, along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Gladys Naftzger, and her father- and mother-in-law, George and Gertrude Drolema.

Funeral and Visitation

Friends and family may pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fulton Chapel of Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Albany, Illinois.

Interment will follow at Lusk Memorial Cemetery in Albany, followed by a luncheon at Harvest Bakery in Erie, Illinois. A memorial has been established by the family.

Gail Drolema leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family devotion and kindness. Her passion for flowers and gardening, her dedication to her community and schools, and most importantly, the love she gave her family will remain part of the memories cherished by those who knew her.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former colleagues and all who were fortunate enough to know her.