William "Bill" Drown

Mass of Christian Burial for William "Bill" Drown, 95, of Marshall, formerly of Minneota, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Interment with military honors will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
William (Bill) Drown was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on June 25, 1930, during the depths of the Great Depression to Wilbur and Mary (Sis) Drown. The first of seventeen children, Bill's early life was shaped by responsibility, resilience, and strong family bonds. At a young age, he went to live with his maternal grandparents, E.B. and Bridget Kiley, where he absorbed the values of hard work, thrift, and civic duty. With them, he listened to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats, experiences that left a lasting impression on his worldview. In 1944, Bill moved back to his parent's home when his uncles returned from service in World War II.
Bill graduated from Minneota High School in 1948 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed his training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and was assigned to the USS Tarawa. He served honorably and carried pride in his military service throughout his life. Following his discharge, Bill returned to Minneota and on April 23, 1955, married Sharlene Opdahl at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent. Together they raised seven children in the heart of Minneota, building a home grounded in faith, hard work, and love. Bill was a devoted husband and father who took pride in his family.
Bill worked as a hatchery man for PK Enterprise and George Gunderson Construction before entering the road construction industry as a distributor operator "shooting prime" for F.J. McLaughlin. When Frank McLaughlin and Howard Schulz formed McLaughlin and Schulz, Bill joined a paver crew. Through dedication and leadership, he advanced steadily - running crews, becoming a superintendent and ultimately serving as the company's primary estimator and partner. His career reflected both technical expertise and deep respect for the people he worked with.
Bill was an avid card player, sportsman, and golfer. He was deeply committed to his community and profession and served on many boards over the years. As a Trustee of St. Edward Church and board member of St. Edward School, Commander of American Legion Post 199, director of the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association and in retirement, he continued giving back with the Marshall Adult Community Center.
Bill and Sharlene enjoyed summering at their home on Lake Mary and wintering at their Arizona home where they welcomed and hosted many friends and family. After Sharlene's passing in 2013, Bill relocated to Marshall, Minnesota, where he remained active and engaged. In retirement, Bill saw value in the Minneota Walking Trail and championed the plan by fundraising and building walking bridges over the Yellow Medicine River. He had a vision for his farmland investments and spent many hours watching over the fields. Known by his family for being thrifty with his money and generous with his time, Bill shared his knowledge, presence, and support with others. Bill will be remembered for his integrity, work ethic, service, and unwavering devotion to family and community.
Bill passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Marshall, MN. He is survived by his children: Anita (Bob) Carlson of St. Cloud, Christopher (Denise) Drown of Alexandria, Cynthia (Dennis) Anderson of Cottonwood, William (Ilin) Drown of Powell, OH, Stephen (Crisanta) Drown of Broadway, VA, Mary (Scott) Post of North Oaks, and Brian (Dorie) Drown of St. Cloud. His 17 grandchildren: R. Ryan (Jessica) Carlson, Chris (Julie) Carlson, Cole (Mary Kay) Carlson, Bethany (Michael) Witschen, Bao Carlson, Stephanie (Andrew) Elliott, Melissa Drown, Chelsea (Phillip) Renslow, Christina Drown, Ariana (Adam) Jungemann, Isaac (Kala) Anderson, Jake Drown, Grace Drown, Nathaniel Post, Joshua Post, Alexander (Abby) Drown, Isabella Drown, and 12 great-grandchildren. His siblings Dee Paradis, Tom (Sandi) Drown, Mary (Chuck) Marcotte, Marcia Johnson, John (Pat) Drown, Dennis Drown, Dorothy (Randy) Reddig, in-laws Kay Drown, Carol (David) Drown, Mike Opdahl, Carol (Philip) Drown, Char Opdahl, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Donations in Bill's name may be sent to the Minneota Walking Trail at: Minneota Walking Trail, 114 E. 4th St. Minneota, MN 56264, or the family will direct any unspecified donations to the St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
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