Donald Roy Drowley, 84, formerly of Grand Marais, died June 14, 2014 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
He was born April 4, 1930 to Sidney and Mabel (Sylvester) Drowley near Hemlock, Michigan. Don grew up in Luzerne, Michigan until moving to Grand Marais in 1947.
After enlisting in the Army and serving in Korea for 14 months, he returned to Grand Marais to work at his father’s sawmill. Don married Inez Bentley (Grayling, Minnesota) on June 26, 1957.
He worked various jobs before becoming a heavy equipment operator for Consolidated Lumber Company, then as a mechanic for Cook County High School and later for Cook County.
After his retirement from the county, he spent his time making lots of things with wood from crafts to furniture. He liked tinkering with machinery and fishing. In 2012 for medical reasons, and to be closer to family, he and Inez moved to Detroit Lakes.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jesse (Kathy) and Kenneth (Maria) Drowley, and sister, Ethel (Ona) Allen.
He is survived by his wife, Inez; daughter, Linda (Richard) Buschette of Mahnomen, Minnesota; grandchildren, Tina (Jim) Kraft, of Gary, Minnesota, and Greg (Laura) Buschette of Mahnomen; great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Kaylee Kraft; sisters Pearl (Wayne) Schlienz of Grand Marais and Marion (Ray) Burge of Silver Bay; and many nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
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