Ronald K. "Ron" Drake

1963 - 2025

Ronald "Ron" K. Drake, 62 of Rosemount, MN, passed away on September 12, 2025, with his wife, Pat, by his side at the Pillars Hospice Home. He fought a courageous battle against esophageal cancer for the past year.

Ron was born January 17, 1963, in Nashua, NH to Ronald D. and Carol K. Drake. He served in the US Army for three years as a Medevac Helicopter Crew Chief. After the Army, he worked on Super Stallion helicopters at Sikorsky Aircraft in Connecticut. Proud to land an airline mechanic position with Northwest Airlines, he moved to Minnesota in 1990. Later, as the airline industry consolidated, Ron earned his degree in Database Administration and worked for several Twin Cities companies.

He married the love of his life and best friend, Patricia "Pat" Querna on April 12, 1997. Over 28 years, they shared many fun adventures often involving the ocean, lake or river. Ron loved sailing on Lake Pepin; visiting the New Hampshire/Maine seacoast; and traveling around the Great Lakes. Passionate about music, Ron enjoyed playing his guitar and going to hear live music. Ron will be remembered for his kindness, integrity and commitment to family. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Drake; his sister, Susan C. Drake; sister-in-law, Pam (Dave) Pokorney; brother-in-laws, Paul (Karen) Querna, Rick Querna, John (Wendy) Querna, Mark Querna; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Mary L. Querna.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN, with visitation at 9:30 AM. Interment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Beyond Hospice and the Pillars Hospice Home.