Bernard Edward "Ben" Drabant

Bernard Edward “Ben” Drabant, age 87, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.

Ben Drabant was born on June 2, 1938, in Milaca, MN, the son of the late Edward and Mary (Kowalsky) Drabant. He grew up on the family farm until he enlisted in the US Navy. After the Navy he returned to the family farm until he married Sharon Knochenmus. They then moved to the cities where he worked for the 7-UP Bottling Co. for many years. In 1972 the family then moved to Elk River where he worked for the Grosslein Beverage Co. until his retirement in 1984. After retirement they moved to Park Rapids where he went back to work driving bus for the DAC for 28 years. Ben played softball, golf, cards, and shuffleboard, and enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, and being outside fishing and hunting.

Ben is survived by his wife Sharon Drabant; children, Debbie McGaffey, Cindy (Gary) Lewis, Bonnie Drabant, and Keith (Connie) Drabant; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Butch (Judy) Drabant; sister, Pat Diers; and sister-in-law, Maureen Drabant; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Drabant; brother, Donald Drabant; and sister, Julia Winstead.