Kent Cole Draayer

Kent Cole Draayer, age 63, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at his home in Austin. Kent was born on November 12, 1959, in Austin, Minnesota to John and Arlene (Cole) Draayer. He graduated from Austin High School in 1978. On September 15, 1979, Kent married Kay Frances Mullenbach at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. The couple was blessed with four children. Kent began working for Hormel in 1982 as a mechanic until he took an early retirement to enjoy life. He coached softball for his daughters and was heavily involved in Austin Youth Sports. He was a referee for Friday night football games and umpired softball games. Kent enjoyed camping, road trips, joking around with his sons-in-law, and was very witty and known for his one-liners. He loved everything with speed – downhill skiing, riding motorcycle, boating, and water skiing. Above all, Kent cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. They were the most important parts of his life. Kent fought a good fight and lived a really good life.

Kent is survived by his wife, Kay of Austin; daughters, Amanda (Jason) Olson of New Prague, MN, Maria Wiebusch, Stacy (Adam) Plotts of Holly Springs, NC; grandchildren, Eli, Evalyn, Ty Olson, Cole and Meryl Hanson and their dad, Brad Hanson, and Amara, Ary, Ebban, and Hollins Plotts; sisters, Pam (Brian) Erickson of Duluth, MN, and Bev (Dave) Nordby of Farwell, MN; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Draayer of Lee’s Summit, MO, Deb Mullenbach of Austin, MN, Kim Lutgens of Henning, MN; brother-in-law, Greg (Julie) Mullenbach of Mason City, IA; many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and service dog and companion, Paige. He was preceded in death by his son, Travis; parents, John and Arlene; brother, Rod Draayer; parents-in-law, Marcella and Otto Mullenbach; brothers-in-law, Dale Mullenbach and Doug Lutgens.