Michael A. Drost, 72

Michael Albert Drost, age 72, of River Falls, passed away at Grace Healthcare on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, after a battle with cancer.

Michael was born on Aug. 12, 1939, in South Bend, Ind., to the late Albert and Geraldine Drost. After moving with his parents to a farm in New Auburn, Wis., he was active in farming, sports, and music. He attended UW-River Falls through the years of 1957-1961 with degrees in English, chemistry, and music education. After a few years of band director/music educator work, he went on to Indiana University at Bloomington as graduate assistant, subsequently earning a Master of Music in education and band. Returning to Wisconsin, he taught music and band at Turtle Lake, Rice Lake, and River Falls.

In working with Dr. Abbott of UWRF in piano tuning and technology, he further studied through the Piano Technicians Guild and achieved Registered Piano Technician certification. Subsequently, he served as band director and tuner-technician at Ripon College and tuner-technician at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. Returning to River Falls, he became tuner-technician for UWRF, assisted in selecting and maintaining pianos for concert halls, and maintained his private business.

He was also highly active in the Piano Technicians Guild as a learner; lecturer; local, regional, and national officer; and national convention lecturer; also achieving the national Member of Note award.

He also was an active member of St. Bridget Church in River Falls.

Mike enjoyed many exceptional friends and associates throughout these two careers. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and reveled in returning to the farm and the north woods.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Geraldine; many aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

He is survived by his wife, Corrine; children, Lisa, Jennifer, Brian, and Peter; grandchildren, Aidan, Nate, Jaeden, and Julia. Other family includes Suzanne (Mark) Drost-Modjean, John (Zoila) Drost, Jim (Ila) Drost, Mary (Neil) Garfinkle, and many other relatives and in-laws.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church, River Falls, at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, with visitation at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.

Please visit www.hillfuneralservice.com to leave an online condolence.

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