Ian Drake

Ian Michael Drake, age 65, entered into rest on Monday, July 28, 2025, surrounded by family. Ian was born on October 28, 1959, in Des Moines, IA.

He graduated from Beloit High School in 1978, where he helped the Trojan football team win state championships in 1975, 1976, and 1977.  Ian always took great pride in that accomplishment. He attended Kansas State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  Ian returned to Beloit and married Janet Koenigsman on May 28, 1983. Together they raised the loves of their lives on their farm west of Beloit.

Ian wore many hats throughout his life. His work ethic developed at a young age working for his granddad, Paul Mears.  Picking up nails, shooting pigeons out of the Quonset, pulling rye from the fields, digging thistles, and earning the record for plugging the combine the most times at the end of the day were just a few of his farm duties.  Later, he worked as a parts and detail specialist at Fuller Chevrolet before becoming everyone's favorite propane man for Farmway Coop, Shamburg Oil, and eventually Crumbaker Oil.  Through his job as a propane man, Ian got to do what he loved best—making new friends wherever he went.  His customers all became friends that he considered family.

Ian lived life out loud.  He never met a stranger, was quick to offer a hug, and spent his life bringing joy to those around him.  Whether hanging with friends at the "Man's Club," sharing stories with friends at the station, or cheering on his grandchildren in any endeavor, he was the life of every gathering.  Nothing lit up Ian's face like his grandchildren, and he was quick to pull up photos and show them off to anyone he met.  His love extended to his cattle, and he was always excited to share photos of the new calves.  Even as he faced the biggest fight of his life, Ian greeted each day with a smile and a positive attitude.  While his loss leaves a giant hole in the hearts of many, we can rest assured that heaven just got a whole lot more exciting.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home; son, Darin Drake (Jennifer) and their children Alexis, Kyla, Tinley, and Kenzie, of Beloit; son, Derek Drake (Nicole) and their children Dominic, Declan, Dexter, Natalie, and Daxton, of Clyde; Dana Ferrell (Sean) and their son Caleb, of Overland Park, KS; mother Betty Drake, of Beloit, sister Katherine Burch (Mickey Long), of Hayes Center, NE; sister Beth Lind (Loren) of Whiting; sister-in-law Jeanne Vering (Kevin) of Beloit; sister-in-law Pat Ludwig (Joe) of Beloit; sister-in law Ann Koenigsman of Colorado Springs, CO; Kevin Drake of Bunker Hill, WV; Jennifer Potutschnig of Albuquerque, NM; Amy Stevens of Berea, KY; Christian Drake (Dorothy) of Clay City, KY; Robert Drake of Beloit; Damaris Drake of Beloit; many beloved nieces and nephews, as well a great magnitude of friends Ian considered family.

Ian was preceded in death by his father Dr. Douglas Drake, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred and Peggy Koenigsman, and brother-in-law Dan Koenigsman.

Ian's hearty laughs and love for life will be missed more than words can express. His legacy lives on in the family he treasured and in the lives he touched.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass will be held on August 4th at 10:00 AM at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas. Memorials may be given to St. John's Catholic Church, Boost Ministries or the USD #273 Educational Foundation (please put Ian Drake in the memo line).