Vernon Drake
Vernon (Vern) S. Drake, 91, of Staples, died April 1, 2018 at Lakewood Health System Hospital, Staples.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, in Staples with Pastor Carl Larson officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church.
Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Staples.
Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Chapel, Staples.
Vernon Stanley Drake was born approximately March 10, 1927, in Staples. Vernon was abandoned when he was about 10 days old. He was adopted by Victor and Clara (Berg) Drake. He lived his entire life in Staples, graduating from Staples High School in 1945. He spent time in the U.S. Army and nine years in the Army Reserves, was honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt 1st Class. He attended the Minnesota School of Agriculture, graduating in 1949 and the St. Cloud Business College, graduating in 1951.
He married Marlys Paulson on June 16, 1957, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples.
Vern worked for the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern Railroad, retiring in 1989. While on leave of absence from the railroad, he was the manager of the local credit union for 18-1/2 years, nine of those years full time. Vern was an area gunsmith for over 50 years, operating his gun repair and archery service from his home.
He enjoyed flying, music, fishing, target shooting and hunting - especially bow and muzzleloader hunting for deer. With the help of his son, Paul, he participated right up to last season of deer hunting. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church; taught the AARP 55 Alive driver; was a Minnesota Firearms instructor for 50 years and a Minnesota certified bow hunter instructor.
He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Ann (Jon) Acord of Rugby, ND; two sons, Paul of Staples and Keith (Vickie) of Clear Lake; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents; infant son, Carl Robert; infant granddaughter, Karen Duncan; sister-in-law, Frances Brouke and brothers-in-law, Gilmore Land and Millard Brouke. w14c A00006B2018APR05
