Kevin Daw

Obituary of Kevin Daw
Kevin Daw, age 70, of Duluth, MN, passed away on June 15, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on January 29, 1955 in Mendota, IL, Kevin was the son of Joan (Davis Daw) Draheim and Bruce Daw.
Kevin spent his life conserving and protecting our natural world. He always loved the outdoors. An early circle tour of Lake Superior stuck in his mind, and he knew that someday he and his family would put down roots along the shores of that great lake. He worked in farm agri business earning his way through college. He studied at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and went on to become a Natural Resource Soil Conservationist. Kevin's career with the USDA took him and his family to different areas around Minnesota: the Red River Valley in Crookston, the Driftless Areas of Wabasha and Zumbrota, and the Minnesota River Basin in Morris. He ended his career in Duluth as a Regional Manager. Kevin's work allowed him to help farmers and private landowners implement practices that would conserve topsoil, establish wildlife corridors, and protect waterways.
Growing up in the scouting world and having a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the lunar landing at the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Farragut State Park in northern Idaho had a big influence on Kevin's life. Whatever he did, he did so with the ideal of the Boy Scout attributes and ethics of previous conservationists. Creating a foundation for future generations, he and his wife helped form Pack 59 in Zumbrota. Kevin filled the summers taking his family on many camping trips to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) and National Parks. He enjoyed road bike racing earlier in his life and passed that love of biking on to the whole family leading to endless freedom and adventure. Kevin was introduced to cross country skiing in college. What began as a class he took for credit grew with the whole family and remains an important part of all their lives. His favorite activity was pheasant and grouse hunting with his dogs and sons. A lifelong dream was achieved in 2016 with a 40 day trip with his wife to the Yukon, Arctic Circle, Brooks Range, Denali, and Kenai. Another dream came true when Kevin and his wife traveled to the Platte River in Nebraska to witness the remarkable 8 million year old crane migration to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. It was an unforgettable experience.
Always a prolific reader and deep thinker, Kevin enjoyed conversations with those that he loved. He cherished every moment visiting with family and friends, especially those special gatherings at home in Duluth. He was known for his quiet presence and strength and left footprints on many hearts. Kevin taught his family that no matter where you go, to always leave a place better than how you found it, to listen more than you speak, to work hard but play harder, and to love and protect nature. He taught them as Aldo Leopold once said, "When we see land as a community to which we belong, we begin to use it with love and respect."
Kevin was preceded in death by his sister Kathy Jo Daw and his father, Bruce Daw
He is survived by his beloved wife, Celeste Hollander Daw, four children, Ben (Laura) Daw of Forest Lake, Rachel (Blake) Bristow of Minnetonka, Chandra (Erich) Ziegler of Marquette, Greg (Anja) Daw of Duluth, his eight grandchildren who were the light of his life Matthew, Nathan, Katelyn, Avery, Emma, Hali, Kate, and Lyyli, his dear mother Joan (Davis Daw) Draheim and husband/stepfather Dan Draheim, sister Deb (Joe) Lamm, brother Ken (Jane) Daw.
A memorial service will be held in the fall as that was Kevin's favorite time of the year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy - Upper Great Lakes Forestry and the Izaak Walton League.