Milan Jerome Drewlow

Memorial services for Milan Jerome Drewlow will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Breckenridge, MN, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening, November 23, at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge, MN from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue the following morning at the church beginning one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am. Milan Drewlow, 75, Breckenridge, MN, passed away on November 18, 2025, following a 12-year cancer fight.

Milan was born on November 1, 1950 to Reinhart and Florence (Zarling) Drewlow. A special day in his life was December 10, 1950 when he was baptized into Christ, leading to his lifetime membership at Grace Lutheran Church where he served in various roles from youth group leader to long-time chairman of the congregation.

Milan grew up on the treasured family farm in Nordick Township and soon had the love of the land deep in his bones. His education started in a one-room schoolhouse that he attended through sixth grade then finished his high school education at Breckenridge High School. Milan then attended North Dakota State University where he studied Agricultural Education. While at NDSU, Milan met his wife Laurie at a snowball fight, and they married in 1971. After graduation, his intention was to return to the land he loved to be the next generation of farmers, but a phone call changed his path. Instead, he took a teaching job at Ulen-Hitterdal High School, and it was the beginning of his true calling; he was a natural born teacher. Milan also taught at Breckenridge High School and NDSCS. He had a way of bringing humor into his classroom which his pupils never forgot.

Eventually, Milan returned to farming but was soon called to be an Extension Agent and a 4-H Coordinator in Traverse County and later Wilkin County where he retired in December of 2017. Once again, he was working with youth, especially his beloved Clover Buds. When he wasn’t working, he ran Red River Pedal Pulls, traveling to county fairs and community events, for over 30 years.

Early in his adult life, Milan was recognized for his leadership abilities and served as chairman for various groups such as Valley Lake Boy’s Home, National Pedal Pullers Association and the Wilkin County Agricultural Society. He attributed his leadership skills to his involvement in 4-H and FFA, two organizations dear to his heart. Closest to his heart was the Wilkin County Fair. His dedication to the annual event was beyond measure. Milan was able to attend all four days of the 2025 fair, exhausted, but happy.

An avid collector, Milan accumulated hundreds of farm toys, trucks and model railroad pieces, filling every available space in the basement of his home.

Being a true “People person”, Milan found pleasure in visiting with just about every person he met, telling jokes and stories earning him the nickname ‘Smilin’ Milan.’ But most of all he loved being with his grandsons Austin and Tyler. Whether it was restoring tractors, grooming pigs or goats to show at the county fair, or taking trips in the summer, he was happiest when he was with the boys.

Milan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laurie; sons Matthew (Jodee) and Eric (Lora); grandsons Austin and Tyler; sisters Marlys Balfour and Bethany (Dennis) Beyer; three nieces and three nephews; and sister-in-law Judy Maxson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reinhart and Florence; brother Lyndon; brothers-in-law: Don Balfour, Ken Maxson and Bill Saunders.

In lieu of flowers please make a gift to the Valley Lake Boys Home or Wilkin County 4-H.