Frederik Henry Drost passed away peacefully in Ripon on December 23, 2023 at the age of 86. Fred was born on May 12, 1937 in the Netherlands to parents, Koos and Wilhelmina Drost, and immigrated to the U.S in 1952 with his family. 

   They lived in Bellflower and he attended Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Bellflower. He graduated from Bellflower Christian High School in 1958, then moved with his family to Tracy, CA where they bought a dairy farm and became members of Immanuel CRC in Ripon. Fred, with his father, brother, and brother-in-law, ran their dairy for 22 years. Fred served in the U.S. Army for two years in Europe. In 1981 he moved his family to Ripon. He served as a deacon in his church and was on the board of Interfaith Ministries. Along with having his own lawn service, he worked for Ripon Christian Schools for 33 years in grounds-keeping and janitorial roles. He absolutely loved interacting with his coworkers and all the students at RC.

   Fred leaves behind his children, Susan Marquette (Steve), Cynthia Corral (Fred) and Robert Drost (Erin) along with his grandchildren, Amber and Alexis Hilvers, Kaitlyn, Justin and Jordan Corral, Lance, Reece, Logan, Reagan and Graysen Drost, Justin Marquette, Mariah Brooks (Justin) and Zac Marquette, and his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Austin, Audrey and Liberty. Fred also leaves behind his siblings, Margaret Bergwerff, Herman Drost, Alice Bos and Wilma Peloquin. Fred is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Johanna “Jopie” Drost and his sister, Irene Meems.

   Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Drost family. A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at11:00 a.m. at Ripon Christian School at the Performing Arts Center.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, December 30, 2023