Darrell Donald Drewes

Born the second child of George and Emma (Wefers), Darrell “Dick” Drewes was born on December 5, 1941, at Dr. Otto’s Hospital in Frazee, Minnesota.

Dick was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Christ Lutheran Church of Wolf Lake, Minnesota. After attending grade school in Toad Lake Township, Dick went on to Frazee High School, graduating with the class of 1959.

After enlisting with the United States Navy in 1961 and completing basic training, he went on to proudly serve aboard the USS Constellation. It was aboard this ship that he entered The Gulf of Tonkin, the first ship to arrive in Vietnam during the start of the Vietnam War. Dick reenlisted after completing 4 years of service, going on to serve an additional 4 years seeing another tour of Vietnam and other Mediterranean cruises.

While on leave during his second tour, Dick met his lifelong partner, Helen Nieminen at a dance at Spruce Grove. After returning to the ship, he proposed over the phone and mailed Helen an engagement ring. They were united in marriage March 18, 1967, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

After the wedding, they returned to Norfolk, Virginia where Dick was stationed. It was at the Norfolk Naval Hospital that their first child, the “Navy Baby”, Dean, was born, costing them $5.25! After being honorably discharged from the Navy on March 1, 1971, Dick and Helen returned home to Snellman. Shortly after returning, their second child, Heidi was born. In 1988, Dick and Helen welcomed their “oops baby”, Kaylea.

Dick’s second career was in heavy equipment operating, first for Clarence Drewes Construction. During his construction career he worked for many contractors, having a part in building many roads throughout the state of Minnesota. He continued construction until eventually retiring as a member of the Heavy Equipment Operators Union Local 49 in 2000 when his health started to decline.

In retirement, Dick enjoyed many drives around the block and outings to the casino. A devoted Minnesota Twins fan, he rarely missed a game—whether watching on TV or listening on his truck radio. Dick was also a Lifetime Member of the Wolf Lake VFW Post 8165, where he served as Commander.

Dick will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Helen; son, Dean (Lori); daughters, Heidi (Greg) Clements and Kaylea (Josh) Burlingame; 5 Grandchildren, Cory Gibson, Kelsey Gibson and Holden, Harlow and Harrison Burlingame; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Bennett Gibson and Aria and Mattea Thompson; and nieces and nephews, Sandy Mock, Chuck Hayes and Don Hayes.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; sister-in law, Evelyn; grandson, Matthew Gibson; nephews, John Hayes and Bob Hayes and mother and father-in-law, Annie and Albert Nieminen.

Services will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Osage, MN, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a visitation hour beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a time of food and fellowship. Burial at Zion Lutheran cemetery will take place immediately following the luncheon