John Herman (Gronewold) Crown
M, #18449, b. 5 September 1873, d. September 1948
| Relationship | 1st cousin 1 time removed of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Immigration Status | Immigrated |
| Last Edited | 13 Feb 2011 |
| Name Variation | John Herman (Gronewold) Crown was also known as John Gronewold. |
| Birth* | He was born on 5 September 1873 at Neufunixsiel, Wittmund, Lower Saxony, GermanyB. |
| Note | He was nine years old when he came to America with his folks to live at Strawn, IL. When John was about fourteen years old, he left home due to a severe disciplining by his father for falling asleep in the field when he was supposed to be working. He was walking along the road when a man with a wagon offered him a ride. As they were travelling along, the man asked him what his name was. John, not wanting the man to know who he was, happened to look up and saw a sign "Crown Flour", so he told the man he was John Crown and sometime later he legally changed his name to John Crown. He was gone for twenty-three years before he came back to see his folks and by then John Gronewold had moved to Minnesota. All the time John Crown was gone from home, he never was too far away from the family or he kept in touch with one of his sisters so at least one person in the family knew where he was. (John Gronewold said he could forgive John Crown for leaving home, but he couldn't forgive him for changing his name, so he left John Crown only $5.00 in his Will.)
When he first left home to earn a living, he shot game birds and sold them to a butcher shop. He was also a shoemaker. In 1898 he was already in Minnesota, living in the Fairmont area. He enlisted in the Army on April 29, 1898 at Fairmont and served in the Spanish-American War. He was enrolled in Company D and was mustered in on May 7, 1898 at Camp Ramsey. On May 23, 1898 he was transferred to the Company Band. He served until he was mustered out on November 5, 1898 at New Ulm, MN
One of the perks of serving in the Spanish-American War was that all men who served were made US Citizens, so John Crown became a naturalized citizen. |
| (Witness) Immigration | He immigrated on 15 March 1884 to Baltimore, (independent city), MD, United StatesB, with Johann (John) Hermann Folkerts Gronewold and Asa Katharine Behrens onboard the ship Nurnberg from Bremen Germany via New York. |
| Note* | John Herman (Gronewold) Crown started working for the Chicago, St Paul, and Milwaukee Railroad company. In 1908 they went west with the railroad. John was based in Lind, Washington where he was a locomotive engineer. They moved again, to Malden, WA and in 1920 they moved to Ellensburg, WA and in 1927 they moved to Seattle where they remained the rest of their lives. He still worked as an engineer for the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: John Herman (Gronewold) Crown married Mathilda Meinginer in July 1900 at Jackson, Jackson Co, MN, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: John Herman (Gronewold) Crown died in September 1948 at Seattle, King Co, WA, United StatesB, shortly after his 75th birthday. |
Merlin John Crown
M, #18458, b. 24 July 1901, d. 3 May 1972
| Relationship | 2nd cousin of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Last Edited | 24 Oct 2005 |
| Birth* | Merlin John Crown was born on 24 July 1901 at Sherburn, Martin Co, MN, United StatesB. |
| Note* | He graduated from Malden, WA high school and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1931. He also worked for the Chicago, St Paul & Milwaukee Railroad in various positions, and also worked for the Puget Sound Navy Yards in Bremerton, WA. He had been married and had no children. |
| SSN* | His Social Security Number was 531-07-6267; issued before 1951 at WA, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Merlin John Crown died on 3 May 1972 at Seattle, King Co, WA, United StatesB, at age 70. |
Robert Max Crown
M, #18459, b. 27 June 1909, d. 20 April 1958
| Relationship | 2nd cousin of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Last Edited | 7 Jan 2003 |
| Birth* | Robert Max Crown was born on 27 June 1909 at Lind, Adams Co, WA, United StatesB. |
| Note* | He graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, WA in 1927. He attended the University of Washington, graduating in June 1934. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Robert Max Crown married Grace Elizabeth Larson on 5 June 1937 at Seattle, King Co, WA, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Robert Max Crown died on 20 April 1958 at Bellevue, King Co, WA, United StatesB, at age 48. |
Raymond George Darwin
M, #15044, b. 13 October 1917, d. 6 September 2003
| Birth* | Raymond George Darwin was born on 13 October 1917 at Grand View, Bayfield Co, WI, United StatesB. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Raymond George Darwin married Marjorie Meta Recka Beck, daughter of Herman Frederick Beck and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Geraldine Huisman, on 27 September 1941 at Ashland, Ashland Co, WI, United StatesB. |
| SSN* | His Social Security Number was issued before 1951 at MI, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Raymond George Darwin died on 6 September 2003 at Zephyrhills, Pasco Co, FL, United StatesB, at age 85. |
Daniel Day
M, #17513, b. 4 August 1943, d. 10 December 2004
Wilhelmina Delss
F, #11892, b. November 1853
| Birth* | Wilhelmina Delss was born in November 1853 at OH, United StatesB. |
| (Witness) Baptism | She witnessed the baptism of Cornelius Evers Look on 18 May 1873 at St Johns Lutheran Church, Bartonville, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB; godparents: Cornelius Lottman & Mina Delss. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Wilhelmina Delss married Cornelius Lottman, son of Frerich (Friedrick) Peters Lottman and Catherine Engelina Everwein, on 1 September 1873 at St Johns Lutheran Church, Bartonville, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Married Name | As of 1 September 1873, her married name was Lottman. |
| Note* | Wilhelmina Delss and Cornelius Lottman supposedly had a total of 13 children, the first 10 reaching adulthood, the next 4 dying in infancy, and the last one reaching adulthood. |
| Census* | Census: Wilhelmina Delss and Cornelius Lottman appeared on the census of 26 June 1880 at Limestone Twsp, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Census | Census: Wilhelmina Delss and Cornelius Lottman appeared on the census of 7 June 1900 at 407 Starr Street, Peoria, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Census | Census: Wilhelmina Delss and Cornelius Lottman appeared on the census of 18 April 1910 at Peoria, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| (Witness) Census | Census: Wilhelmina Delss appeared on the census of 6 January 1920 in the household of Alfred William Schwing and Anna Elisabetha Lottman at 808 North Street, Peoria, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
Sarah Jane Descans
F, #25017, b. 21 February 1919, d. 19 February 1975
| Birth* | Sarah Jane Descans was born on 21 February 1919. |
| Married Name | As of 1940, her married name was Lottman. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Sarah Jane Descans married Wilmer Henry Lottman, son of Fred P Lottman and Gertrude Kathrine (Gertie) Neitz, in 1940. |
| Death* | Death: Sarah Jane Descans died on 19 February 1975 at Cass Co, IN, United StatesB, at age 55. |
| Burial* | Burial: Sarah Jane Descans was buried on 22 February 1975 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport, Cass Co, IN, United StatesB. |
Gesina Johanna DeVries
F, #24777, b. 18 March 1880, d. 2 July 1955
| Birth* | Gesina Johanna DeVries was born on 18 March 1880 at NE, United StatesB. |
| Married Name | As of 1899, her married name was Lottman. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Gesina Johanna DeVries married John Benjamin Lottman, son of Jacob Jensen Lottman and Folena Violine Franzen, in 1899. |
| Census | Census: Gesina Johanna DeVries and John Benjamin Lottman appeared on the census of 5 June 1900 at Pleasant Precinct, Jefferson Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Census* | Census: Gesina Johanna DeVries and John Benjamin Lottman appeared on the census of 11 May 1910 at Pleasant Precinct, Jefferson Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Census | Census: Gesina Johanna DeVries and John Benjamin Lottman appeared on the census of 21 January 1920 at Lincoln Twsp, Gage Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Census | Census: Gesina Johanna DeVries and John Benjamin Lottman appeared on the census of 23 April 1930 at Newton Precinct, Jefferson Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Gesina Johanna DeVries died on 2 July 1955 at Diller, Jefferson Co, NE, United StatesB, at age 75. |
Family | John Benjamin Lottman b. 9 Nov 1875, d. 24 Nov 1952 |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Gesina Johanna DeVries married John Benjamin Lottman, son of Jacob Jensen Lottman and Folena Violine Franzen, in 1899. |
| Children | - Folena Elizabeth Lottman+ b. 12 Mar 1900, d. 27 Mar 1984
- Carl (Fritz) Frederick William Lottman+ b. 25 Oct 1901, d. 2 Apr 1975
- Anna Harmina Helena Lottman+ b. 4 Feb 1904, d. 16 Dec 1966
- Grace Helena Lottman b. 24 May 1906, d. 19 Mar 2001
- Katherina Teblina Lottman+ b. 16 Dec 1908, d. 14 Jan 1988
- Gertrude Maria Lottman b. 25 Feb 1911, d. 14 May 1954
- Christena Henrietta Lottman+ b. 30 Mar 1913, d. 1 May 2005
- Theodore Jacob Lottman b. 18 Aug 1914, d. 19 Jan 1979
- Cena Bena Lottman+ b. 29 Dec 1916, d. 6 Jun 2000
- Harry J Lottman+ b. 26 Apr 1919, d. 31 Mar 2002
- Robert John Jacob Lottman b. 4 Sep 1922, d. 4 Jul 1992
|
Jennie Gezenia Dey
F, #39198, b. 26 May 1902, d. 29 January 1978
| Relationship | 7th cousin 1 time removed of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Last Edited | 24 Oct 2018 |
| Birth* | Jennie Gezenia Dey was born on 26 May 1902 at Gresham, York Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Married Name | As of 2 February 1922, her married name was Heineke. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Jennie Gezenia Dey married George Wilhelm Heineke on 2 February 1922 at Gresham, York Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Jennie Gezenia Dey died on 29 January 1978 at Lincoln, Lancaster Co, NE, United StatesB, at age 75. |
Mamie Dick
F, #13193, b. 1879
| Birth* | Mamie Dick was born in 1879 at IL, United StatesB. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Mamie Dick married Henry Shafer, son of Conrad Schafer and Margaret (Maggie) Hartwig, on 24 December 1903 at Pontiac, Livingston Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Married Name | As of 24 December 1903, her married name was Shafer. |
| Census* | Census: Mamie Dick and Henry Shafer appeared on the census of 11 April 1930 at Windsor, Dane Co, WI, United StatesB. |
Sibbo Janssen Dieken
M, #28132, b. 1861, d. 1943
| Birth* | Sibbo Janssen Dieken was born in 1861. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Sibbo Janssen Dieken married Antje Sophia Look, daughter of George Anton Evert Look and Frauka Johanna (Hannah) Lottman, on 2 March 1891 at St Johns Lutheran Church, Bartonville, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Burial* | Burial: Sibbo Janssen Dieken was buried in 1943 at St Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Bartonville, Peoria Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Sibbo Janssen Dieken died in 1943. |
Taatje Dirks (Lottman)
F, #28119, b. April 1765, d. 14 July 1840
| Birth* | Taatje Dirks (Lottman) was born in April 1765 at Hage-Hilgenbur, Aurich, Lower Saxony, GermanyB. |
| Baptism | She was baptized on 16 April 1765 at Eastern Parish, Hage, Aurich, Lower Saxony, GermanyB. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Taatje Dirks (Lottman) married Frerich Peters on 6 May 1798 at Eastern Parish, Hage, Aurich, Lower Saxony, GermanyB.  |
| Married Name | As of 6 May 1798, her married name was Peters. |
| Death* | Death: Taatje Dirks (Lottman) died on 14 July 1840 at Hage, Aurich, Lower Saxony, GermanyB, at age 75. |
| Burial* | Burial: Taatje Dirks (Lottman) was buried on 15 July 1840 at Western Parish, Hage, Aurich, Lower Saxony, GermanyB. |
Anna Margaret Dirks
F, #39210, b. 24 October 1861, d. 21 October 1932
| Birth* | Anna Margaret Dirks was born on 24 October 1861 at Coatsburg, Adams Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Married Name | As of 27 January 1882, her married name was Goldenstein. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Anna Margaret Dirks married Focke Janssen Goldenstein, son of Johann Luken Goldenstein and Tjode Anna Tammen, on 27 January 1882 at Coatsburg, Adams Co, IL, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Anna Margaret Dirks died on 21 October 1932 at Golden, Adams Co, IL, United StatesB, at age 70. |
Henry Tom Dorn
M, #42405, b. 20 January 1924, d. 3 October 1979
| Birth* | Henry Tom Dorn was born on 20 January 1924 at Franklin Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Henry Tom Dorn married Dora Helena Margreta Bienhoff, daughter of Johann Ulfert Bienhoff and Anna Magretha Elise Stuhmer, on 17 June 1945 at Macon, Franklin Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Henry Tom Dorn died on 3 October 1979 at Franklin, Franklin Co, NE, United StatesB, at age 55. |
John Murry Downing Jr
M, #42430, b. 22 October 1900, d. 15 January 1974
| Birth* | John Murry Downing Jr was born on 22 October 1900 at Eden Twsp, Sac Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: John Murry Downing Jr married Irene Marie Wolter, daughter of Bernhardt (Barney) Wolter and Anna Evangeline Lottman, on 7 October 1934 at Gilmore, Pocahontas Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: John Murry Downing Jr died on 15 January 1974 at Fonda, Pocahontas Co, IA, United StatesB, at age 73. |
Donald Wilfred Drenkow
M, #346, b. 5 March 1929, d. 15 August 1993
| Relationship | 1st cousin of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Military | Korean War |
| Last Edited | 5 Apr 2019 |
| Birth* | Donald Wilfred Drenkow was born on 5 March 1929 at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Baptism | He was baptized in 1929 at St Peters (now American) Lutheran Church, Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Census* | Census: Donald Wilfred Drenkow appeared on the census of 8 April 1930 at Goewey Twsp, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB, Goewey Twsp, Osceola Co, IA; ED-72-8, 08 Apr 1930, p41 3A. |
| SSN* | His Social Security Number was 485-32-1820; issued before 1951 at IA, United StatesB. |
| Military* | Military: Donald Wilfred Drenkow was in the US Army during Korean War between 9 February 1951 and 30 January 1953. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Donald Wilfred Drenkow married Darlene Eleanor Nelson, daughter of Bernard Clarence Nelson and Tilda Alice Bergeson, on 12 June 1953 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Inwood, Lyon Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Residence* | Donald Wilfred Drenkow and Darlene Eleanor Nelson lived at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB from 1953 to 1957. |
| Residence | Donald Wilfred Drenkow and Darlene Eleanor Nelson lived at Brookings, Brookings Co, SD, United StatesB from 1957 to 1960. |
| Occupation* | Occupation: Donald Wilfred Drenkow was a Farmer and a Salesman. |
| Residence | He and Darlene Eleanor Nelson lived at Humphrey, Platte Co, NE, United StatesB from 1960 to 1963. |
| Residence | Donald Wilfred Drenkow and Darlene Eleanor Nelson lived at Columbus, Platte Co, NE, United StatesB from 1963 to 1966. |
| Residence | Donald Wilfred Drenkow and Darlene Eleanor Nelson lived at Norfolk, Madison Co, NE, United StatesB from 1966 to 1993. |
| Death* | Death: Donald Wilfred Drenkow died on 15 August 1993 at Norfolk, Madison Co, NE, United StatesB, at age 64 of complications from a stroke. |
| Burial* | Burial: Donald Wilfred Drenkow was buried on 19 August 1993 at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Norfolk, Madison Co, NE, United StatesB. |
| Obituary* | Obituary: Funeral services were held August 19, 1993 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE for Donald W. Drenkow, 64, who died August 15, at Norfolk Nursing Center. Donald was born March 5, 1929, at Melvin, IA.,son of Fred and Lenora (Hartwig) Drenkow. He attended school in Melvin and graduated from High School in 1947. He farmed before entering the Army in February 9, 1951. He served till January 30, 1953. On June 12, 1953, he married Darlene Nelson at Inwood, Iowa. They farmed at Melvin, Iowa, Brookings, SD., before moving to Humphrey, NE. They then moved to Columbus before moving to Norfolk in 1966. Don was a salesman for Farmers Hybrid and Moew's Seed Company. Later he was a sales representative for Century Companies of America. He had been in failing health since suffering a stroke in August, 1986. He was a member of the American Legion Post 16. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; three sons and their wives: Brian and Danita Drenkow and Craig and Melodee Drenkow, all of Norfolk, and Grant and Janine Drenkow of Aalsmeer, the Netherlands; one daughter and her husband, Deann and Mario Alvarado of Glendale, CA; eight grandchildren; and two brothers: Ronald of Sheldon, and Marvin of Melvin, IA. Military rites were conducted by American Legion Post 16 and VFW Post 1664. |
Fred Drenkow
M, #345, b. 27 May 1901, d. 10 January 1974
| Birth* | Fred Drenkow was born on 27 May 1901. |
| Marriage* | Marriage: Fred Drenkow married Lenora Hilda Hartwig, daughter of Fredrick Peters (Fred) Hartwig and Elise Catherina Gronewold, on 14 September 1926 at St Peters (now American) Lutheran Church, Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Residence* | Residence: Fred Drenkow and Lenora Hilda Hartwig lived at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB, on 15 November 1929. |
| Occupation* | Occupation: Fred Drenkow was a Farmer. |
| Census* | Census: Fred Drenkow and Lenora Hilda Hartwig appeared on the census of 8 April 1930 at Goewey Twsp, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB, Goewey Twsp, Osceola Co, IA; ED-72-8, 08 Apr 1930, p41 3A. |
| SSN* | His Social Security Number was 485-40-3383; issued 1954 at IA, United StatesB. |
| Death* | Death: Fred Drenkow died on 10 January 1974 at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB, at age 72 of Acute Pulmonary Edema. |
| Burial* | Burial: Fred Drenkow was buried at Baker Township Cemetery, Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Tombstone* | A photo of his tombstone was taken at Baker Township Cemetery, Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
Marvin Bernard Drenkow
M, #348, b. 21 February 1934, d. 20 April 2014
|  Marvin Bernard Drenkow |
| Relationship | 1st cousin of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Military | Other Military |
| Last Edited | 5 Aug 2018 |
| Birth* | Marvin Bernard Drenkow was born on 21 February 1934 at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB; on the Drenkow family farm. |
| Military* | Military: Marvin Bernard Drenkow was in the US Army from 1955 to June 1957. |
| Death* | Death: Marvin Bernard Drenkow died on 20 April 2014 at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB, at age 80 on the Drenkow family farm. |
| Obituary* | Obituary: Marvin Drenkow, age 80 of Melvin, passed away at his home in Melvin on Sunday, April 20, 2014.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Rev. Judith Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be at the American Lutheran Church from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22nd, with the family present from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The Sanborn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 80 year-old Marvin Drenkow of Melvin.
Marvin “Red” Bernard Drenkow, the son of Fred and Lenora (Hartwig) Drenkow, was born on the family farm near Melvin, IA, on February 21, 1934. He was baptized and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. His childhood years were spent on the farm, and he attended country school at Goewey Township #5 until the 8th grade, and graduated from Melvin High School in 1952. He later received one year of additional schooling through the G.I. Bill at Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, IA.
In September of 1955, Marvin enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army. Just one week prior to his deployment, he was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Ver Hoef at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. He was honorably discharged in June of 1957. A short time later, the couple settled on the Drenkow family farm, where they were still living at the time of his death. He enjoyed life on the farm, raising livestock, raising grains and milking cows. He later ran a corn sheller.
Besides the busy life of a farmer, Marvin enjoyed participating in sports, including fast-pitch softball, fishing, hunting, bowling and golfing with the Lucky Lutherans. He even shot a hole-in-one. He was a former member of the board of directors for the Sanborn Funeral Home and Farm Mutual Insurance, and belonged to the Melvin American Legion and the Farm Bureau. He was a life-long member of the American Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday School, sat on the church council, and was involved in many other church activities. During his retirement years he drove vehicles for Drenkow Motors. He enjoyed entertaining friends, and often had gatherings in the shed on the farm. But most of all, Marvin took great pride in his children and grandchildren, and traveled great distances to support their activities.
Marvin passed away at his home near Melvin on Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the age of 80. It was his wish to be cremated. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley and their children: Teresa (Jerry) Pomrenke of Milford, IA, Pamela (Robert) Groote of Sibley, IA, Timothy (Kathy) Drenkow of Melvin, and Laura (Rick) Gross of Manilla, IA; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson; a brother, Ron (Gladys) Drenkow of Sheldon, IA; a sister-in-law, Darlene Drenkow of Norfolk, NE; other relatives and many friends. |
Ronald Fred Drenkow
M, #347, b. 3 May 1932, d. 17 April 2016
|  Ron Drenkow |
| Relationship | 1st cousin of Verna Jean Bremer |
| Military | Other Military |
| Last Edited | 18 Jan 2019 |
| Birth* | Ronald Fred Drenkow was born on 3 May 1932 at Melvin, Osceola Co, IA, United StatesB. |
| Military* | Military: Ronald Fred Drenkow was in the US Army from 10 February 1953 to 9 February 1955 stationed in Panama. |
| Residence* | Residence: Ronald Fred Drenkow lived at 1610 Pleasant Court Dr, Sheldon, O'Brien Co, IA, United StatesB, on 6 February 1999. |
| Death* | Death: Ronald Fred Drenkow died on 17 April 2016 at Sanford Sheldon Senior Care, Sheldon, O'Brien Co, IA, United StatesB, at age 83. |
| Obituary* | Obituary: RONALD F. DRENKOW
Ronald Fred Drenkow, the son of Fred and Lenora (Hartwig) Drenkow, was born May 3, 1932, at Melvin, Iowa.
He was baptized and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin, Iowa. He spent his childhood years on a farm near Melvin. He attended country school near Melvin and graduated from Melvin High School in 1950.
He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. After the service, he attended Wartburg College at Waverly, Iowa.
On June 28, 1960, Ron was united in marriage to Gladys DeBoer at Bethel Reformed Church in rural Ellsworth, Minnesota. After their marriage the couple lived at Melvin for one year before moving to Sheldon. Two sons, Daniel and Steven, were born to this union.
Ron worked at Miller John Deere Implement in Melvin, Huff John Deere Implement in Sheldon and Al Duis Ford in Sheldon before obtaining the Chrysler-Plymouth franchises. He later added the Dodge, Jeep, and Ford franchises.
Throughout his life, Ron served on many various committees with Chrysler and its dealers. Also, he served on many local community boards and committees. He served on the Sheldon City Council, Mayor of Sheldon, and on the County Board of Supervisors. Ron was honored to receive Sheldon Man of the year award (Hank Award) 1998.
Ron was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon where he taught Sunday School, worked with the youth groups, and served on the church council and various committees. He was a supporter of Ingham, Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. In his free time, Ron enjoyed bowling, golf, and boating. His real joy in life came from spending time with his family especially at Lake Okoboji for the last 15 years.
Ron passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon, reaching the age of 83 years, 11 months and 14 days.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys; son, Daniel (Lisa) from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Steven (Sheila) from Sheldon; grandchildren, Jared, Shea, Leanna, Tyler (Elise) and Alex; siblings-in-law, Shirley Drenkow, Jeanette Popkes, Ed & Faye DeBoer and Orville & Joyce DeBoer; and nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lenora Drenkow; his brothers, Donald and Marvin; father and mother-in-law, Otto and Martha DeBoer; brother-in-law, Lammert Popkes; and sisters-in-law, Shirley DeBoer and Darlene Drenkow. |
| Burial* | Burial: Ronald Fred Drenkow was buried on 23 April 2016 at East Lawn Cemetery, Sheldon, O'Brien Co, IA, United StatesB. |