Michael Drath

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 8, 1943 to Bob and Betty Drath. He passed away on January 10, 2019 at his daughter's home in Rochester. He had fond memories of spending time in his youth in Spring Lake and Wild Rose, Wisconsin. After graduating from Brookfield Central in 1961, Mike entered the Army where he worked as a mechanic. He married Carole Jungclaus on December 29, 1962 and they lived in Nuremberg, Germany for the beginning of their married life. Mike and Carole moved back to the Milwaukee area after he completed his time in the service and they began to grow their family with the arrival of Bill and Brenda. In 1973, Mike and his family purchased Pine Drive Resort in Holcombe. Along with working at the resort, Mike tended bar at the Cornell Bowl, repaired appliances for Gambles and later Hardware Hank and drove bus for the Cornell school district. After the sale of the resort, Mike traveled a bit, visiting family before beginning his career driving truck, a time he remembered fondly, with his home based in Altoona and then later in Holcombe again. Feeling the pull of family, Mike relocated to Apache Junction, AZ to be with his parents in their later years wh...[more]

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he continued to drive truck. Mike moved back to Holcombe in 2001 to a house that he helped complete. His home on Deertail Creek was a source of pride where he enjoyed spending time with his neighbors and boating with friends and family. Mike never failed to offer guests his hospitality and a Southern Comfort Old Fashioned. Mike is survived by his love, Mona Scharf, children Bill (Becky) Drath of Eau Claire, Brenda (Tony) Fyles of Rochester, grandchildren Brandon, Matthew, Julia Drath, Bethany and Weston Fyles, siblings Pat Kreul of Milwaukee, Marney Close of Prineville, OR, Christy Covault of Prineville, OR and Scot Drath of North Prairie, WI, and his faithful companion, Marvin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty. Bill and Brenda would like to welcome friends to an open house celebration of Mike's life held at Pine Drive Resort in Holcombe, on Saturday January 26 from 2-4. Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600