Peter Frederick Drake, 85, died peacefully on July 19 in the home of Patrick and Terese Slattery at Middle Ridge, Wis., where he was part of the family for more than 15 years.
Peter was born November 6, 1933 in La Crosse, Wis., the first of five children born to Charles and Vienna (Kennedy) Drake of Lanesboro, Minn. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1951. In 1952 he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and North Seas. He was proud to be a veteran and was a long-time member of the American Legion Post in Whalan, Minn. After returning home he spent 12 years employed by the Lanesboro Produce Company in its egg picking plant. He had a life-long fascination for poultry, with which he was extremely knowledgable.
A major turning point in his life was joining Alcoholics Anonymous and achieving the peace of years of total sobriety. His AA compatriots were especially dear to him. Troubled by mental instability, Peter spent some recuperative time at the V.A. Hospital in Tomah, Wis. He then went to a group home in Marshfield, Wis., for 25 years and worked at the Marshfield Shelter Facility.
Following retirement Peter fulfilled his dream to return to his homeland of the Driftless region. He spent a year in a group home in La Crosse before moving in with the Slattery family in 2013 where he lived a bucolic existence.
Peter will be remembered fondly for his wonderful eccentricities. He was a deep reaching historian, a keen conversationalist and a lover of all things Norwegian, especially Lutefisk Dinners at Lutheran churches.
He was delighted in sharing his monetary blessings. He accompanied his life’s goal of not being the richest man in the graveyard.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and two nephews. He is survived by his sister Dianne Drake of Rochester, his brother Michael (Carol) Drake of St. Paul, his sister-in-law Marge Drake of Lanesboro, his 11 nieces and nephews, and the Slattery family of Middle Ridge, Wis.
A funeral Mass for Peter Drake was celebrated at 5:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church on July 21 in Middle Ridge, Wis. Burial services will be held in the Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., on Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m.