"Sincere sympathies to the entire Drexler family. Tom was such a good guy, always quick to lend a hand. I'll always remember hanging out at the Hollow and all the epic fun party's that Jim Stellpflug had there! It wasn't a party without Drex! RIP old friend!"
In loving memory of
Thomas William Drexler
August 14, 1957 - September 9, 2021
Thomas "Tom" W. Drexler, age 64, of Eyota, MN died Thursday, September 9, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN after suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Tom was born on August 14th, 1957, in Rochester, MN the son of Frances (Turner) and William Drexler. A life-long farmer Tom took over the family farm in the 1980's which was located on County Road 9 east of Rochester and affectionately known as "The Ridge". Tom also enjoyed working 35 years as a heavy equipment operator for the Olmsted County Highway Department, where he was fondly known as "Drex" by his co-workers.
He was a 1976 graduate of Lourdes High School, Rochester, MN. He loved being with his family, four wheeling, fishing, golfing, and most of all living in the country where life moves a little slower. He devoted much of his time and energy as a caregiver to his parents before their deaths. He was very generous with his time, would always be willing to lend a hand and never turned down a beer with a friend.
He is survived by his devoted life partner of 18 years, Doreen Chester of Eyota, MN; Doreen's children, Jessie (Nathan) McCloud of Rochester, MN and Colin (Erin) Chester of Viola, MN; Doreen's grandchildren to which he was known as Papa Tom, Lydia and Dylan McCloud, Evelyn, Amelia and June Chester; three siblings, Steven (Corrine) Drexler of Blooming Prairie, MN, Mary (James) Adams of Rochester, MN and Diane (Steve) Schellhammer of Winter, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The Drexler family would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to Doreen, her children, grandchildren, coworkers, friends, and the ridge neighbors for all the love, care and friendship given to Tom over the years.
A Celebration of his life will be held on the ridge October 2nd at Dan and Wanda Cassidy's, 7409 CollegeView Road East (across from the Drexler farm) from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Drexler family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Doreen, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will certainly miss Tom. Dawn and Dan Bell"
"Steve,Drex,Diane and extended family- please except my condolences. Tom was a good guy. Broken hearted.?"
"I was a classmate of Tom?s at Lourdes. We have hardly seen each other since high school, but I wanted to send my condolences to Doreen and the rest of Tom?s family. I have fond memories of Tom?s gentle and wry sense of humor. He was known as ?Drex? to many of us as well. I hope you will be able to focus your memories of Tom on the great times you had with him. I am so sorry for your loss. "