Drew Thomas Herlache, 26, took his own life on Saturday, February 15 after struggling for years with mental health issues. Drew was born in Green Bay, Wi. On September 21, 1998, to Mark Herlache and Laura (DeBaker) Herlache and grew up in West De Pere. Drew is survived by his parents, Laura (Rob), Mark (Stephanie), his brother Cal, his sister Cassidy (Jake); paternal grandfather Rod (Sandy), and maternal grandmother Georgie. Drew was preceded in death by maternal grandfather Jack and paternal grandmother Maxine.

Growing up, Drew was a fun and energetic kid. He grew up playing sports with his siblings and was a good little league baseball player. He participated in boy scouts when he was young and enjoyed building and competing in soap box derby races with his dad. Drew loved going camping at Laura Lake in Armstrong Creek and going to his dad's cabin in Amberg. Most of his hobbies included being outdoors. He loved having campfires, fishing, hunting and walking in the woods. Drew also loved tools, he bought his first tool set when he was 14 and loved working on his various cars he owned over the years. He wanted to be an auto mechanic and had dreams of owning his own garage someday. Some of Drew's other hobbies included playing card games, board games and reading any and everything about history. He read over 500 books in his adult life.

Drew ended up earning his GED through a program for troubled youth in Fort McCoy called the Challenge Academy. Due to his mental health struggles, Drew found it difficult to excel in a traditional school setting, despite his immense intelligence. Through this program Drew graduated with academic honors and became an assistant commandant. Drew thrived in this environment and was proud of his accomplishments. In January 2024 Drew started taking online classes through Milwaukee Area Technical College and made the Dean's List. Had Drew continued his formal education, he would have pursued a degree in history to continue his knowledge journey.

Drew also had a soft side that he only showed a lucky few. Drew had a love for Disney movies. His all-time favorite being "Frozen", which he loved to watch on repeat with his mom. Drew also loved to knit and crochet items for his family. He made blankets, hats, scarves and a number of stuffed animals for his sister. Drew also cared deeply for his childhood dog Charlie and his current dog Cleo, who he named after one of his favorite authors. Drew had a huge heart for those he cared about. He had an amazing laugh and found comedy in movies, his favorite inside jokes and retelling of childhood stories with his family.

Throughout Drew's years of mental health struggles, he pursued behavioral therapy, medication and relied heavily on his family for support. His mom was always by his side, he often referred to her as his biggest cheerleader.

For those of you who are battling mental health issues of your own or if you know someone that is, don't hesitate to get help. Call 988 for immediate assistance or contact SAMHSA. You are not alone.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N 10th St., De Pere, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, from 4:00PM - 7:00PM.

A service led by Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. will take place at 5:15PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Drew's name to a local mental health organization, National Alliance of Mental Illness of Brown County or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Thank you to De Pere Fire & Rescue as well as the staff of the St. Vincent Hospital E.R. and Dr. Leah Schuppener from the Medical Examiner's Office.

"Some days I'm headed in the right direction, and some days I ain't even close"