Frederick Ward Draxton

Frederick "Fred" Ward Draxton, age 77, of Cottage Grove, MN passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Memorial Service will be 11 AM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a visitation from 10-11 AM prior to the service. All are invited to a luncheon following the service.

Fred was born in Sharon, ND to Stanley and June (Carlson) Draxton. As a child, Fred's family moved frequently due to his dad's job as a Manager at Armour & Company. They lived in Grand Forks, St. Paul, Rockton, IL, back to St. Paul, then to Philadelphia, PA.

Fred enlisted in the US Navy in October 1967 and served until October 1973. He was a sonar man on an old WWII destroyer, the USS Hawkins. His dad died in February 1973 and after coming home from his stint in the Navy, Fred his mom and brother Dan moved back to Roseville, MN.

Fred met Betty in 1974 at one of Time Magazines top ten pickup places- The Left Guard in Bloomington, MN. They were married May 31, 1975 in Hopkins, MN. They lived in St. Paul for 3 years then had a home built in Cottage Grove, MN where they have lived and raised their two daughters Lori and Faye. He worked as a cable technician for CenturyLink until his retirement in 2008.

Fred was active in his local church. He enjoyed driving, fishing, hunting, gardening and the two week trips with their daughters Lori and Faye around the United States. He especially enjoyed spending time with family at the cabin. 

Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Betty; daughters Lori (Joshua) Schmidt and Faye (Mike) Wolynec; grandchildren Evangeline, Cora and Mirielle Schmidt, Ryker and Elowyn Wolynec; and siblings Sue (Amor) Surgenor and Dan (Linda) Draxton. He is preceded in death by parents Stanley and June (Carlson) Draxton; infant daughter Jolene and sister Karen Phelps.