Andrew "Drew" Uebele

My wife, Ellen, and I sadly announce the death of our son, Drew.

Andrew Elliot Uebele died Tuesday, March 17, 2026, following a relentless battle with alcohol use disorder. But that is not how we will remember him, or define him, because his soul was so much more.

Drew was born on a cold November morning, 1984. When he was four years old, he crawled under our neighbor’s fence and befriended our neighbors, Jack and Jean Smith. His bright personality ignited a lifelong relationship with them.

In his early years he would at times greet people with a genuflection he called “The honor of love” bow. When I’d get home from work, he was there to hug me, and play “one-two-three set go,” and he would run into my arms and bowl me over. He loved snuggling with Ellen as she read to him. During his grade school years his favorite event was eighth-grade graduation, where students in every grade celebrated with speeches, song, skits, and art, enjoying all that Saint James school was. He was the Pied Piper in the school play. His favorite song was “For All the Saints.” He sang every verse with enthusiasm and joy.

He graduated from West De Pere High School in 2003. His best memories were the band, where he played percussion, bass guitar, and lead guitar. He and his buddies formed a band called Badshop and cut a CD. Like his grandfather, he was a two-time state marching band champion.

He graduated from UW Madison in 2007 with a degree in economics, but he told Ellen he regretted not majoring in music, his lifelong passion. He went back to school and became a sound engineer. He mixed sound for his sister’s state champion dance squad, and for national acts like Prince, and the Beach Boys. Though he mainly worked in Minneapolis, where he lived, he travelled all over the country mixing music for artists and large corporations. His apartment is filled with recording gear, instruments, and speakers.

He was baptized at Genesis church in Minneapolis, where he found genuine relationships.

He liked Diet Dr. Pepper. And Burt’s Bees Vanilla Bean Lip Balm. Alton Brown’s Good Eats. And documentaries on how things are made. On cold winter days he would watch Bob Ross for hours. He liked to run. Write music and play his guitar. He was good with people, and good with words. He knew the right thing to say in a difficult moment. Last summer he helped me build a fence. He helped Ellen with her Spring plantings. He came every weekend and did chores for us.

Drew told me his favorite person to talk to was Ellen. Their talks ranged far and wide, from faith to food to deep heart things. Brennan Manning was his favorite author. He and his mom discussed his writings on our front porch for hours. He watched sunrises in silence with Ellen. They both craved time along rivers and lakes.

He talked food, music, God, life, and troubles, with me.

As with any follower of the Alcoholic Anonymous program, he was deeply spiritual. Most every day he would send me a photo of his morning devotion, and during the day we would text each other our thoughts. When we see him again, we will continue this routine, and the sorrow of this day will be no more.

Drew is survived by his parents, brothers-in-law, nephew, and three sisters. He was so proud of Anna’s accomplishments and admired her for becoming a surgeon. For years he called Jill his best friend and recently recounted to me their adventures in Texas and India. He thought Molly, who taught in Africa, was the smartest person in the world.

At family reunions he would rekindle friendships with the cousins he loved so much. Catherine. Betsy. Paul and Daniel. You poured so much into his life. He knew you loved him.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Nick Brosig, Kurt Hess, and the Agile Transformation Team at Bellin Hospital. All of you showered him with amazing grace and encouragement. He would speak of you in glowing terms and tell of the joy he had working at Bellin. He found a home with you. Thank you!

To all who loved him, and will miss him, thank you for the part you played in his life. Remember him with gladness. And joy. Ellen and I will.

We’ll see you soon, Drew.

Ken and Ellen Uebele, March 2026

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, March 28, 2026, beginning at 2:30pm, with a memorial service to follow at 4:00pm at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave. De Pere.

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“For All the Saints” Verse four