Alfred “Al” Drew, 85, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with lung cancer on Friday, November 1, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Al was born in Eugene, Oregon on July 23, 1939, to parents, Steven and Ola (Criswell) Drew. Al lived most of his young life in Eugene, Oregon, and became a truck driver shortly after High School.
This position not only took him to several different parts of the country, but also led him towards the love of his life, Alice Helget. The two met one night by chance and would go on to spend 44 years together. Al was a proud father of three when they met, his children Steven, Rebecca, and Constance “Connie” were happy to welcome Alice as their stepmom. After marrying Alice, he fathered two more children, Angela “Angie” and Alfred Jr.
Alfred and Alice were married on July 7, 1980, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and eventually settled in Gentilly, MN, where you could say, “God came knocking.” A pastor of St. Paul’s Luther Church, as part of a welcome committee, came to the door and the couple felt led to this church. Due to an unfortunate house fire, Alfred and Alice relocated to Crookston, where they made their home and raised their children. Alfred was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith later in life, which was a very important aspect to his life.
Al’s children fondly remember going out on the road with their dad, memories they will carry in their hearts going forward forever. His family will miss his jokes, he always had the best sense of humor. Every time Angie would tell him she loved him, he would say it first and add, “Beat you this time!” Al was never afraid to poke at someone he loved, of course, always in good nature; he loved Twinkies and always had to have his buttered bread, even with his sandwiches. Al was a man of integrity and respect, and was always nitpicky about things being organized. Alfred also had a deep love for the Vikings and the Twins; but more than anything else, aside from his children, he truly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His family will always remember him changing diapers, warming bottles, and babysitting for his twin grandchildren, which he was glad to do after his retirement; his grandchildren will miss drinking “Papa’s” tea.
Al drove truck for thirty years before deciding to semi-retire; during that time, he worked at New Flyer and drove bus for Tri-Valley. A few years ago, Al was sadly diagnosed with lung cancer and would spend the last years of his life bravely fighting the illness with his family’s support every step of the way. They will always be grateful for the privilege of being by his side during that time, which they were up until his final moment.
May God Bless the Memory of Alfred Drew.
Al is survived by his wife, Alice Drew; Children: Steven Drew, Rebecca Drew, Constance (Steve) Wilson, Angela (Jeremy) Tronnes, and Alfred Jr. Drew; Grandchildren: Ian, Jessica, Dominik, Colton, and Elizabeth; Great-Grandchildren, Frank; a brother, Edward (Marilyn) Drew; as well as many other friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Ola Drew; a sister, Barbara Butterfiled; a Great-Grandson, Gabriel; a former wife, Shirley; as well as many other relatives.
The memorial service honoring Al’s life will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM, with the Rev. Curt Peterson officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 2 hours prior to the service. Please join the family for lunch immediately following services for fellowship and a time of reflection. The Memorial Service will be livestreamed, the link to which can be found by visiting Al’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries.
