Richard L. Drahn

DULUTH, Minn. — Richard L. Drahn, 74, of Bessemer, Mich., passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on June 19, 1938, in Oshkosh, Wis., the son of Oliver William and Genevra Crane (Lloyd) Drahn. Dick graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1956 and attended Michigan State University, majoring in forestry.

He served in the U.S. Army, and received an honorable discharge on Dec. 7, 1962.

On May 3, 1963, Dick married Beverly M. Sosinski in Oshkosh.

He was employed as a registered land surveyor with the Ottawa National Forest for 33 years, and retired in 1995.

Dick co-authored “Guide to Identification of Bearing Tree Remains,” used by land surveyors nationwide. He co-founded the Superior Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society, and was a National Rifle Association Benefactor member. Dick was an avid outdoorsman. He was an accomplished woodworker and carved many beautiful decorative decoys.

Dick is survived by his wife, Beverly; three children, Linda Drahn, Georgetown, Ky., Pete (Molly Blink) Drahn, Oshkosh, and Laura (fiance’ Peter Miko) Drahn, Lexington, S.C .; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tony) Spagnoli, Georgetown, Ky., Missa Britt, El Paso, Texas, Naomi Britt, Toledo, Ohio, and Noah and Ian Watts, both of Georgetown; a great-grandson, Nicholas Spagnoli, Georgetown; a sister, Barbara (Bob) Swan, Oshkosh; a brother, Peter (Deborah), Arbor Vitae, Wis .; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Nev.

As per his wishes, he was cremated.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10:30 a.m., at Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 E. McLeod Ave., Ironwood, Mich., with the Rev. Rosemary DeHut officiating.

Following the service, an American flag presentation will take place at the church.

A lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall.

At the family’s request, please no flowers.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, Mich., is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.