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William J. Drew Obituary – 7/15/2016


William John Drew (“Bill”), age 81, of Mayer, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, at the St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted.

He was born Aug. 31, 1934, in Hollywood Township, Carver County, the son of Daniel and Margaret (Burns) Drew.

Bill was a graduate of the Watertown High School.

He was united in marriage with Sandra Kuhlmann Sept. 21, 1957. This union of 58 years was blessed with children Nickolas, Joshua, and Patrick.

Bill served in the Security Services Division of the United States Air Force.

He had operated the Crows Nest Bar in Mayer for five years, which was known for live Dixieland jazz music, prior to beginning his lifelong career with Snyder Drug. Bill was an assistant manager prior to his promotion to head of franchise operations at Snyder Drug.

A huge sports fan, Bill enjoyed both watching and playing football, basketball, and baseball. He loved to help out local teams, whether it was coaching, or building and maintaining parks and fields. He had a sense of organization and was a steady volunteer for both his church and community.

Bill also enjoyed the winters that Sandy and he would spend in South Padre Island.

Bill will be remembered as a “people person,” who was always in a good mood. His smile and ability to make others laugh brightened the day for many. He often included in a greeting “Top of the morning to you!”

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Thor Drew; parents Daniel and Margaret Drew; brother Frank Drew; brother-in-law Ed Seitz; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ruth and Chuck Bates, and Lyn and Steve Hahn.

He is survived by his loving family: wife Sandy of Mayer; sons Nick Drew of Mayer, and Joshua Drew and his wife Sadie McKinley of Minneapolis; sister Helen Seitz of New Ulm; brother and sister-in-law Tom and Leona Drew of Winsted and their family; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

A memorial service took place Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer with the Rev. Adam Gless as officiant. There was a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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