Zella Drake

Zella Adeline Drake

Zella A. Drake, 91, rural Nashwauk died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  She was born on March 23, 1925, to John and Lena Keller in Wadena, MN.  Zella resided in the Staples/Wadena area in her early years, moving to Rural Nashwauk in 1958, where she had been a resident since.  She married Lloyd Drake on December 18, 1943, in Wadena, MN.  A homemaker by trade, Zella and Lloyd raised their 11 children in Nashwauk, MN.  She was a member of Reorganized Latter Day Saints of Bovey, and most recently Cloverdale Mennonite Church in rural Nashwauk.  She loved to sew, read, tend to her gardens, go down memory lane by looking at old photos and maps…Loved to fish! fish! fish!, and finally loved to collect all types of hats.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Drake and son, Delvin L. Drake; beloved husband, Lloyd Drake Sr. in 1995; parents, John and Lena Keller; her sisters, Norma Stephenson and Isabelle Tomporowski; and two brothers, Alvin Keller, and Steven Keller.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Jane) Drake, Hibbing, Lloyd (Paula) Drake, Nashwauk, Jan (Jim) Munch, Brainerd, MN, Joan (Jerry) Haekenkamp, Cokato, MN, Joyce (Mike) Salzer, Barnum, MN, Barb (Rick) Keepers, Alexandria, MN, Ethelene Larson and her special friend, Don Krohn, of Pilliger, MN, Vickie (Mike) Platt, Hibbing, MN, and Amy (Louis) Baumchen, Nashwauk, MN; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews; and her favorite pet, Tigger.

Zella’s family would like to send out a special thank you to Dr. Mitchell Cardwell, his staff, the Hibbing Family Medical Center, FRMC, and its staff for the wonderful care that Zella had received.

Funeral services for Zella will be 11 AM, Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Nashwauk Alliance Church in Nashwauk, MN.  The Rev. Jack Tillotson and Rev. Donald Velo will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-8 pm, Friday, July 8, 2016 at Nashwauk Alliance Church.  The visitation will then continue on Saturday from 10 am until the 11 am service at the church.  Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery in Nashwauk.  Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .