Funeral Expenses for Karl Drumm and Support

The last time I saw my father, he was standing in the foyer of our home, slipping into his coat, and assisting his wife Gail, with hers. That afternoon they would travel to a local favorite restaurant of theirs. Little did I know, it would be the last time I would see my father and my mother together in the same room. Karl passed away on March 18, 2023.

Time has passed now, and the family is still reflecting back and questioning how a man that was so vibrant and full of energy, who just turned 87 years old on February 12th, could just close his eyes slowly and fall to the floor in front of his wife during a pleasant lunch.

My parents were Pen-Pals. My mother chose my father to correspond with through an international letter exchange club between the United States and Germany and they wrote to each other from 1958 - 1959. Karl obtained a job within the first week of his arrival with nothing more than a suitcase and determination. Eventually, with sponsorship from Gail's mother, Karl became a United States citizen. Karl would later serve in the U.S. Army, from 1959-1963, and become a loving

father to two boys and years later an amazing grandfather & great-grandfather. He was a mentor and role model that strived for fairness and possessed a strong work ethic. He certainly lived the American Dream. Gail and Karl have been married for a solid 63 years. Having passed Diamond Anniversary status, Gail and Karl were on their way to Blue Sapphire. Their anniversary would have been August 23rd, 2023.

I have never used GoFundme before. In fact, I struggled with the idea of even doing this. Our family never asks for help. Call it German pride from my Dad's side. 

My mother is coping as best as she can. Obviously, she worries daily about the future, bills, and the stability of her home.

Naturally, my brother and I will be caring for her. Everything from running errands, grocery shopping, and doctor and dental visits. We are doing what we can, and at this point, it's all about maintaining a balance between our jobs, and personal responsibilities and also staying positive for her. Any support is appreciated of course. My father had barely enough insurance money set aside for funeral expenses, so the rest had to be covered with credit cards. Naturally, other expenses followed and we are doing our best to navigate through these unforeseen waters. I am reaching out at the behest of my mother so I can offer her some peace of mind over the ongoing financials that have left this family with our backs against the wall, scraping together what we can to get through the next few months. Cutting back things and selling off unnecessary items. Any financial help would find us eternally grateful and we can't thank you enough. Be safe out there. Please. ~ Erik Drumm