Alvin Droge

Alvin J. (Al) Droge, age 82, of Pequot Lakes, MN, died peacefully on a beautiful Sunday morning, Oct. 5, at his home on Clamshell Lake after a short battle with cancer. He accepted his prognosis with grace because of the hope he had in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Al was born on April 3, 1932, in Sappington, Montana, where he grew up and attended Montana State University in nearby Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. It was also there that he met and married his first wife, Eunice Nieuwenhuis.

After two years in the Air Force, he was employed by Caterpillar Equipment in East Peoria. He subsequently worked with sales and service of heavy equipment throughout most of his career, working for Foster Bell in Sioux Falls, Butler Machinery in Bismarck and Fargo, and Track II after his retirement in 1995 to Pequot Lakes, MN. He also worked for Park Construction while living in Minneapolis.
Al loved spending time with his family, never missing an event in his grandchildren's lives. He enjoyed his Tuesday Golf Group at Whitefish Golf Club and Wednesday Lunch Bunch. He also enjoyed watching all Minnesota athletic teams.

Al is survived by his wife of 28 years, Arletta, his brother, J Droge (Nella), and brother-in-law, Ed Spoelstra. He is also survived by his children: Michael Droge (Carol), Nancy Bonnema (Scott), Mary Carmean (John), Scott Hillestad (Jeanne), Kim Hillestad, Jay Hillestad (Arlene), and Kae Hillestad; twelve grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eunice; his parents, Peter and Bertha Droge of Three Forks, MT; and his sister, Jo Ann Spoelstra of Bozeman, MT.

His family sends a special thank you to Good Neighbor Home Health Care and Good Samaritan Society Hospice who made it possible for Al to spend his final days at home overlooking his beloved lake.

A celebration of Al's life will be Thursday, Oct. 9, at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at The Log Church in Crosslake, MN. Memorials preferred to The Log Church Building Fund or Calvin Christian School in Blaine, MN.