Donald Drietz

Donald Drietz, 85, of Canby, passed away on Sunday, April 30 at the Sylvan Court Nursing Home in Canby.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 4 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Visitation was to be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel – Canby with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Burial will be at the St. John Catholic Cemetery in Wilno.

Donald Robert Drietz was born January 11, 1932 in Hendricks, MN, the son of John A. and Mamie (Knofczynski) Drietz. He graduated from Canby High School. He entered the Army in September of 1952. He was a Corporal serving as a mechanic in the Korean War. After serving, he went to Reserve status until being honorably discharged in August of 1960. On September 8, 1956, he married Evelyn Verhelst at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota.

They were blessed with six children. They made their home south of Canby where he farmed and milked cows until retiring in 1996. Donald spent lots of time watching wrestling.

He enjoyed going to the casino and playing the penny slots. He also enjoyed helping his boys with the farming operations, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Jim) Walery of Anchorage, AK; five sons, Jerry (Roxy) Drietz of Parker, SD, Dan (Lori) Drietz of Canby, Kenny (Deb) Drietz of Canton, SD, Michael (Teresa) Drietz and Bryon (Krystle) Drietz both of Canby; 22 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Clarence Drietz, of Marshall, MN, Jarroll Drietz, David Drietz, and Leonard Drietz, all of Porter; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Drietz and one niece, Diane Drietz.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to your local Veterans Association.