Brad Drewelow, 52, Passes Away; Funeral Set for Dec. 5
UPDATE: Brad Drewelow, age 52, of New Hampton, tragically passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. His family and friends are coming together to celebrate his life at a funeral service on December 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
Friends and family are invited to visit on December 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home, with an additional hour of visitation before the service on Friday. The Rev. Dan Christensen will preside over the ceremony, followed by interment at a later date at Boyd Cemetery.
Brad, born on June 16, 1973, in Waterloo, was the youngest child of David and Carol Drewelow. Known for his vibrant spirit and adventurous nature, he was a cherished figure in his community. Family anecdotes describe a young Brad riding his Hot Wheels to the grocery store to buy a TV dinner, a testament to his mischievous charm.
Brad graduated from New Hampton High School in 1991 and later married Shannon Knight, with whom he had two children, Emma and Lucas. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Brad remained a devoted father. He also welcomed his daughter Brynn, with Dayna Collins, forming a close bond with each of his children.
For many years, Brad worked at various local companies, but his most cherished position was at John Deere in Waterloo, where he followed in his father’s footsteps. His pride in being part of the John Deere family was evident in everything he did.
An avid movie buff, Brad had a particular fondness for horror films and was known for his epic Fourth of July fireworks displays. He was also a dedicated music lover, creating unforgettable memories at concerts with his children. His favorite acts included Tool, Iron & Wine, and Damien Rice.
Brad’s love for the outdoors was profound; whether fishing, hunting, or kayaking, he thrived in nature. Even during health challenges, he found joy in watching others partake in these activities through YouTube. His culinary skills shined when grilling and smoking meats, though he often joked about his lack of enthusiasm for the cleanup.
Known for his playful personality, Brad enjoyed friendly banter and card games at family gatherings, always bringing laughter and light to the room. In keeping with his selfless nature, he made the decision to become an organ donor, leaving a lasting impact on others.
Brad is survived by his mother, Carol Drewelow, along with his daughters Emma (Eddie) Denner and Brynn (Logan) Havlik, and son Lucas Drewelow. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, James and Lailyn Denner, a brother, Roger (Amy) Drewelow, and a sister, Darla (Randy) Usher. He is preceded in death by his father, David Lee Drewelow, in 2024.
As the community mourns this significant loss, many are expected to attend the services, honoring a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
