Benjamin Drake

Benjamin Drake IV, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Brainerd on April 21, as the sun was setting over Gull Lake. He was born to Clarice and Benjamin Drake in Minneapolis on November 28, 1936. On September 30, 1961 he and Rhoda Hanson were married in Winthrop. Ben received degrees in geology at the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan. His love of travel began with a geology field season in Antarctica. His professional and academic career took him to Michigan, Virginia and Texas before retiring to his beloved Gull Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister Priscilla, and aunt Betty. Ben is survived by his wife Rhoda, his son, David and daughter-in-law Mary of Madison, WI and son Doug of Elbert, Colorado. He has two granddaughters (his munchkins) Abigail and Lauren Drake of Madison, WI. He is also survived by his brother Neal and his wife, Mary and their children, Catherine (Josh Schwartz), Alex, and Laura of Lakeville, MN and baby Lincoln. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, April 29 at the Northland Arboretum at 14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd. Ben requested that you come with a joke. Rhoda suggests that you dress comfortably and enjoy the Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ben’s father’s Memorial Fund at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Thanks to his many care givers, especially Dr. Reese and Dr. Dirks, and the Good Samaritan home and hospice. Halvorson Johnson Funeral Home BAXTER Chapel