Watch Aldon's Celebration of Life Service

Aldon Drewes, age 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Aldon "Al" Albert Drewes was born on July 20th, 1944, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Albert and Elsie (Glander) Drewes. He was raised on the Drewes family farm in Frazee.  He graduated from Frazee High School in 1963.  After high school, he built silos and pole barns with his brothers Delbert and Clarence for a short period of time.  He then started working in road construction for the next 50-plus years, initially with his brothers Clarence, Dennis, and Kenny, as well as owning his own construction company for a period of time. Later, he worked for several local road construction companies. He was a proud member as an Operating Engineer in the Local 49ers Union.  He spent most of his time building roads throughout MN and ND and built a pipeline.  Most everyone in this room has driven on a road at some point in time Al built.  He retired in 2009.

In 1984, while working in Devils Lake, ND, Al met the love of his life, Donna Kueneman.  They lived in North Dakota until 1997.  On May 23, 1998, the couple were married at their home with all the children and grandchildren present to help celebrate. Together they loved to travel, spend time with family, camping, and fishing.

Some of Al's favorite things to do were to watch the Vikings, play dice and cards, meeting up with his birthday group, going hunting with his nephew, and going out to eat. He loved having all the kids and grandkids over to visit at holiday times.

Al is survived by his wife, Donna, of 26 years; children: Scott Drewes, Steven (Lynn) Drewes, Kimberly (Wayne) Nelson, Lisa (Merlin) Pays, Duane Fossen, Sheli (Chris) Devier; brother, Kenny (Linda) Drewes; sister-in-law, Judy Drewes; grandchildren: Lorissa (Tosh), Brianna (Dominic), Ivy (Mitch), Joseph (Emily), Brandon, Tyler (Monica), Devin, Ian, Rylie (Caitlin), Chancler (Ashley), Kevin and Koty; great-grandchildren: Carson, Vivian, Catilin and a baby boy on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Al in death are his parents, Albert and Elsie; siblings: Alfred Drewes, Madeline (Jake) Yliniemi, Delbert (Delores) Drewes, Clarence (Kay) Drewes, Dennis, Marion (Marvin) Feldt, Vivian (Theron) Roen, Esther (Ray) Ylitalo, Karen Steichen, and infant brother James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with a time of gathering starting one hour before, at the Holiday Inn in Detroit Lakes.