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Ervin “Sonny” A. Dreher, age 80, of Forest Lake, formerly of Elephant Butte, N.M., died March 21, 2004.

He was born Dec. 18, 1923, in St. Paul, to parents Ervin W. Dreher and Hilda M. Dreher.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by son, Darryl (Jeannine) Palmer, AK; sister, Gerri Tucker, of Forest Lake; four grandchildren: Ande, Jason, Cole and Angelique; niece, Linda (Richard) Phillips; three grand nieces, one grand nephew, two great-grand nieces and numerous family and friends.

He served in the Army, PFC, during WWII from 1943-1945. Most of his time was served in central Europe.

Upon discharge he returned to St. Paul to continue his work as a welder. Later working as a lineman for NSP, operator of his own chicken ranch, and for 10 years worked for the New Mexico State Park System.

After he retired, he traveled extensively throughout the continental U.S., Canada, and Alaska, with his companions Ginger and Willie.

He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his firm handshake and his fierce independence.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2004, at Grandstrand Funeral Home, in Lindstrom. Visitation one hour before service. Interment at Chisago Memorial Park, in Chisago City. Memorials preferred to Veterans Association of your choice or Humane Society.

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