Francis "Fran" Drometer

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Francis Richard “Fran” Drometer, age 70, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina.

Fran was born on November 14, 1949 in Red Wing, MN, the son of George N. and Lois M. (Haley) Drometer. He grew up on a livestock and crop farm in Douglas Township, Dakota County, MN. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1967 and went on to attend Mankato State College. He received his B.S. degree in Business Finance in 1972.

He started his trucking career in 1978 with Ellsworth Freightlines and later Baltic Trucking. In 1980, he purchased his own tractor and drove for Schanno Transportation. He finished his career with Sparhawk Trucking, Inc., retiring in 2018. Fran received many awards for safe driving, and his last being for 3 million safe miles.

Fran was a lifelong member of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls. His family was very important to him, and he enjoyed family get-togethers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lois Drometer; sister, Mary Hernke; brother, John Drometer; and sister-in-law, Sheila Drometer.

Fran is survived by his sisters, Janet (Don) Gorman and Helen (Bob) Shogren, all of Spokane, WA; brother, Bill Drometer of Greensboro, NC; brother-in-law, Don (Julie) Hernke of Cannon Falls; sister-in-law, Christi Drometer of Sparta, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 11 am at St. Pius V Catholic Church, Cannon Falls. There will be a rosary service at 9:30 am, with visitation from 10-11 am, at the church. Please wear masks and honor social distancing.

The funeral mass will be live streamed. Please click on link below to watch on September 16 at 11 am.

Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Memorials in Fran’s memory may be directed to St. Pius V Catholic Church.