In loving memory of

Michael Donald Drury
May 24, 1959 - March 4, 2023

Michael Donald Drury, 63, of Kasson MN passed away unexpectedly on Saturday March 4th, 2023.

Mike was born on May 24th, 1959 in Canada to Donald Drury & Sandy Kilgour. The family including his siblings, Patrick & Beth, moved to Minnesota in the late 1960s to Black Duck, MN. The family eventually called Chatfield, MN home.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Eva shortly after graduating from Vocational School in Austin, Mn for printing. The family moved to Rochester, MN after Erin & Chris were born where they continued to proudly raise their children until later separating in 2002. Mike & Eva continued to stay in touch and shared updates about their children's lives.

Following the divorce Mike found the love of his life in Roberta, who he had grown to know over the years working at Insty Prints. Roberta & Mike were happily married in 2003 and inseparable until he took his last breath. The couple enjoyed long drives, eating out and cuddling on the couch watching TV with their dog(s).

Mike had many hobbies including motorcycles, photography, firearms and electronics. He also particularly enjoyed having lunch with his children Erin & Chris who had the tradition of almost weekly lunch dates as recently as the week before his passing, where all 3 found themselves laughing and reminiscing. Erin, Chris & Mike were incredibly close, their relationship grew into much more than Father/Son/Daughter bond and became the strongest friendship an adult child could ever dream of having with their parents. Mike (aka Papa) also had a special bond with his granddaughter, Tia, who he took pride in teaching new skills and spending time with.

Nobody was ever surprised when Mike would show up to a gathering with a new car, truck or motorcycle. He found pleasure in researching, negotiating and driving off in a new vehicle and would always be on the lookout for the next big purchase.

After leaving Insty Prints, Mike continued his passion for the printing business at Mayo Clinic where he had been employed for the last 25 years up to the point of his passing. During Mike's time at Mayo Clinic he became close to several of his colleagues who he spoke very fondly of.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Roberta Drury, his daughter, Erin Drury (Syd), his son, Chris Drury (Sara, Wyatt), and granddaughter Tia Doxtator. Brother Patrick Drury (Kathleen), Sister Beth Lange (Dale), mother Sandy Spaulding (Raymond) and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mike was proceeded in death by his father Donald Drury and ex-wife Eve Phillips (Eva Drury).

The family would like to thank the nursing & surgical staff on Nassif 4 and Mary Brigh 5G for their efforts to keep Mike with us, although unsuccessful, their empathy and compassion didn't go unnoticed.

The celebration for Mike's life will be held on April 1st, 2023 from 1PM - 3PM at the Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Center, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. A time of sharing will be at 2:30PM that will be live streamed via www.ranfranzandvinefh.com If Mike touched your life in any way, please come and share your memories with the family.

Tributes

David McKinley wrote on Mar 11, 2023:

"It is an honor to make a few comments on my cousin Mike. Of course, we saw each other from time to time when we were kids like Christmas in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan. Mike was one of my groomsmen when I got married in 1975. A few years ago, it was a joy to see Mike as well as my other two cousins, Pat and Beth at my Aunt Sandy's home. As the evening drew to a close, Mike and I stood in the hallway and had a special conversation. We had a few more phone calls and it was special to share with each other what was going on in our lives. Mike was open and vulnerable and a loving man. I am so sad he has passed away but I am thankful f9r the way he touched my life along with the many others. My love to my Aunt Sandy, cousins Pat and Beth, and to Roberta and her family. David and Laura McKinley"

Peggy Weivoda wrote on Mar 11, 2023:

"Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Michael. It is heartbreaking knowing your family is hurting. Cherishing the wonderful memories of Michael, carrying his legacy on with love and tenderness such as he so openly shared with others, and what a true blessing his life has been. We send our love and deepest sympathies. Terry, Peg & Andrew Weivoda "

The Rev. Alice Mae Applequist wrote on Mar 9, 2023:

"Previous post was being sent by my mom...Betty Lou Balcome. For some reason, my post did not post...and hers did not allow me to put in her name nor email."

The Rev. Alice Mae Applequist wrote on Mar 9, 2023:

"Mike will be missed. It breaks my heart when former students die ahead of me. He was too young to be called home. Darn! Prayers are ascending for all involved."

The Rev. Alice Mae Applequist wrote on Mar 9, 2023:

"Deepest condolences are sent to Mike's family. This has been a very challenging year for all of you. Thoughts and prayers are extended. As a member of the Clasd of 77 and a cousin when he was married to Eva and he became a dad and grandpa to some great kids...my heart celebrates and grieves. Mike will be missed."

Scott Wright wrote on Mar 9, 2023:

"Roberta - so sorry for your loss. "