Drotts, Raymond web and newspaper photo.jpg
Viking – Raymond Drotts, 102, of Viking, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at Greenleaf Senior Living Center, Thief River Falls.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Viking Covenant Church, Viking, with Pastor Jim Robberstad officiating. He will be buried in the Drotts family plot at Viking Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church.
Raymond Joseph Drotts was born at his parent’s home on October 29, 1914 in Viking Township, Marshall County. He was the son of Oscar and Hilda Sigburta (Samuelson) Drotts. He has lived in this home (homesteaded by his grandparents) ever since.
Raymond was baptized at home as an infant by a Covenant Pastor. He attended the District 144 School south of Viking, through 8th grade. He stayed on the farm helping with milking cows and chores.  
When his father was no longer able to manage the farm, he took over its operation.  Although he sold his dairy herd in 1989, he has continued to garden, crop his farm, and hire for combining up to the present.
Raymond grew an incredible garden consisting mainly of flowers.  These flowers were shared at the church throughout the summer.  
Raymond is a member of the Viking Covenant Church of Viking.  He served as a trustee as well as 13 years as pianist and organist.
Survived by nieces, Rhoda (Al) Fritsch of Sycamore, IL, Ruby Hovda of Zionsville, IN and Priscilla Mizell of Lugoff, SC; as well as many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; and many friends.
His parents preceded him in death—his mother, Hilda Samuelson Drotts in 1928 and his dad, Oscar Drotts, in 1957.  His brothers and their wives, Albert (Alice) Drotts and Hans (Carrie) Drotts; sisters, Hilma Drotts, Alma Drotts and Ruth Drotts; along with his nephew, Lester Drotts and niece, Lois Seashore.
Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.