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Lawrence F. Drabus • 1919 - 2009 Lawrence was born on September 21, 1919, a son of Frank and Marie (Hoffman) Drabus in Enderlin, ND. He was raised and educated in Kenmare through the 9th grade. He was later awarded a high school diploma from ND State Legislature on March 31, 2002. Following school he worked for the Soo Line Railroad. He entered the US Army in 1941 and served during World War II in the 164th Infantry. He was honorably discharged in 1945, receiving the Bronze Star, Good conduct medal, and the WWII victory medal. Lawrence married Twila Anderson on August 5, 1950, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Coulee. They made their home in Kenmare, where in 1950 he became an engineer for the Soo Line Railroad, retiring in 1985. He also farmed, west of Kenmare. Twila died July 11, 2008. Lawrence played the part of Santa Claus for 23 years in Kenmare. He loved to hunt and fish. After retirement, he started to cut trees down for firewood to heat their home. Lawrence stated "the hotter it is outside, the better to work in" He was a jokester and loved life. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed. Lawrence was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Kenmare. Those who shared his life: Daughter and son-in-law: Elaine and Arlen Gartner, Kenmare; grandchildren, Chad Gartner (Natosha Benson) Kristen (Fred) Boger, and Melissa (Clint) Voltz; great-grandchildren: Makayla Gartner, Carsen Gartner and Lille Boger. One step-great grandson Michael Boger. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 57 years Twila, a daughter Julie Drabus, twin brother Leonard and sisters Lorraine Drabus and Eileen Riske. Visitation: Sunday, April 5, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare Funeral Service: Monday, April 6, 2009 at 1 pm at the Church of the Nazarene, Kenmare, ND Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeview, ND Officiant: Rev. Doug West Music: Congregational hymns Honorary Bearers: Lawrence's family and friends Active Bearers: Chad Gartner, Kelly Drabus, Paul Drabus, Owen Medlang, Mike Wagner, Layne O'Neill Military honors accorded by the Kenmare American Legion Post # 64 Immediately following the graveside service there will be coffee and bars served in the fellowship hall of the church. All are welcome to join the family for this time of fellowship. The Drabus family would like to thank everyone for the many
acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your
thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be
forgotten. May God bless the memory of Lawrence. |
Lawrence
F. Drabus, 89, Kenmare, died Thursday, April 2, 2009 in a Kenmare
hospital.