Francis "Butch" Michael Dreawves

A great family man passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on February 27, 2025. Butch was born on October 9, 1938, the son of Cyrill and Victoria (Strusinski) Dreawves in Maplewood. He was given the nickname Butch by his Uncle Erne. He graduated in 1956 from North St. Paul High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While serving on a naval destroyer he became close friends with a fellow Minnesotan. When the friend became engaged, he asked Butch to be his best man. It happened that his bride to be asked her friend, Verna, to be her maid of honor. A year later, Butch & Verna married and lived in San Diego, until his discharge two years later. They returned to Minnesota with Patti, the first of their three children. Two more followed – Pamela & Michael. Butch always put his family first and there was nothing he would not do for them. He was a devoted, proud father. He loved his family dearly and was always there for them – helping with their homes, taking them to God’s country (otherwise known as Ely). There were numerous trips to the hunting shack with Mike, who he instilled a love of nature, hunting & fishing. He was overjoyed when he became a grandfather and had three more to love & guide. His love for his family was unwavering and he took great pride in them. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather and had two more to take fishing. He had many special moments in his life. He retired from Koch Refinery at the age of 55 and had 30 years to enjoy life. Butch & Verna took several trips during that time – Hawaii (15 times), taking his daughters and their families, Ireland, Alaska with Mike, Scotland, etc. He made numerous trips to Seattle to visit his granddaughter Amanda and her family, delivered a wedding gown to Sedona, Arizona and then walked his granddaughter Mackenzie (his fishing buddy) down the aisle. Remaining to cherish his memory are wife of 66 years, Verna; children, Patti Schmidt, Pamela (Jeff) Boege, Michael; grandchildren, Amanda (Stephen) Whetstine, Ryan Schmidt and Mackenzie (Cody) Drimel; great-granddaughters, Frances Mae & Paisley Whetstine; sister, Diana LaRock. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. Butch was preceded in death his parents & sisters, Geraldine Primus, Marlene Wanner. Per Butch’s request, there will be a private family service with burial at Fort Snelling.