Michael Charles Drake, age 76, of Farmington, Minn., and formerly of La Crosse, Wis., passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, with his wife at his side.
Michael was born in Lanesboro, Minn., to Charles and Vienna Drake.
He grew up in Lanesboro and graduated high school there in 1964. After high school he attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., graduating 1968 after studying abroad in Paris, France.
He taught French at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis., for seven years, and Aquinas High School in La Crosse, Wis., for 39 years, where he was beloved by students and colleagues before his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Peter, Don, David (Marge), and Dianne Drake.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carol; children Rachael (Greg) Hedquist, Tad (Mary), and Aaron (Tara) Drake; and grandchildren Sawyer, Rex and Quinn.
A celebration of Michael’s life will held on Saturday December 2, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. at the Legacy of Farmington, 22300 Denmark Ave., Farmington, Minn. Interment will be this spring at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse, Wis. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Aquinas Catholic Schools Foundation, in Michael’s name.
White Funeral Home (651) 463-7374. Online condolences may be left at www.whitefuneralhomes.com.
Juanita Semmen Palmby says
My deepest sympathies
Vernon D Lee says
I have lost my childhood friend.