Herbert "Gene" Drumm

Gene Drumm, age 66 of Marshalltown, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Herbert Eugene Drumm was born on February 13, 1960, in Iowa City, the second of six children born to Herbert and Karen (Tietge) Drumm. He grew up on a farm near Marshalltown and attended Marshalltown Public Schools. Gene enlisted in the United States Army, but was medically discharged.

Gene accepted Christ at a young age at Fellowship Baptist Church. He had his faith to lean on through his life.

Gene was united in marriage with Peggy Israel, and welcomed four children: Michael, Kelly, Bobby, and Letricia. The couple later divorced. Gene lived in California and Oregon for several years, before returning to Marshalltown.

Gene was a jack of all trades. He worked at Hy-Vee Foods as a stocker, a cannery in Oregon, Per Mar Security, and as a self-employed roofer and lawn care. Gene was a janitor at Fisher Elementary School and the YMCA for 16 years.

Gene loved music – he taught himself to play guitar and loved to sing, especially karaoke in recent years; the music often was accompanied by Geno dancing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Gene was a giving person, always willing to lend a hand and put others needs before his own.

In death, Gene is reunited with his parents: Herbert and Karen; brother, James Drumm; and nephew, Daniel Alexander Ramirez. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Michael Drumm, Kelly (Will) Johnson, Bobby Drumm, and Letricia Copenhafer; children he claimed as his own, Charles Boyles, Tiffany Brannen, and Brandon Israel; and several grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Kay (Jay) Cartwright, Barbara Drumm, Janice (Bobby) Key, and Kenneth Drumm.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Gene and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

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