Jon Eric Echsel

Jon's service can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/dTOXB8FCrvU?si=26Ds7M8pv0sydUbO

His tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/X96BYR4LS3QYRX95

Jon Eric Drechsel, 58, passed away unexpectedly on October 27, 2023, while on a hunting trip in Montana.

Jon was born on October 2, 1965, joining his parents Snookie and Drex in Ada, MN. Jon and his younger brother, Kris, spent their childhood in Crookston, Minnesota, where their Dad taught them to love the outdoors and football. Jon played high school football for Coach Drex and went on to North Dakota State University in 1984, where he wore the number 21 while playing Cornerback for the football team. He married Sonya Smith in 1991. Jon and Sonya had two children, Zachary and Kristin.

Jon loved his family fiercely. He welcomed Zack's wife, Megan, and Kristin's husband, Mike, into the family. Jon wore the title of Grandpa proudly and loved to hear his granddaughter (Zack and Megan's daughter), Amelia, call him Grandpa. He proudly held Zack and Megan's son, Alex, at Alex's baptism this spring.

Jon's love for the outdoors was a guiding light throughout his life. Through his college years, he worked as a guide on Lake of the Woods.

Watching Jon clean a fish is to watch an artist at work. He later worked for Scheels Sporting Goods (1991 -1997), selling hunting equipment. Jon found himself working construction for Northern Plains Contracting, but he couldn't keep away from the industry he loved. He then worked for Hudalla Associates for 15 years, where he formed many friendships with his work colleagues.

Once again, Jon found himself working construction for Remodeling By Foss, but his passion for the hunting industry persisted. This past year, he returned to the industry, working for Nation's Best Sports in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jon, known to many as Papa Drex, loved to cook and feed those around him. The Concordia Women's Hockey Team enjoyed many meals and "to-go boxes" courtesy of Papa Drex. Jon's fish fries were legendary, and it was always an absolute yes when invited for fish tacos.

Jon's family extended to those around him, and had many friends both in Fargo and Texas that he counted as family. Strangers weren't a part of Drex's vocabulary.

We will always remember the love Jon had for his family, the pride he had as a Bison, and his passion for the great outdoors, but we find the most comfort in knowing his faith in the Lord saw him through it all.

Jon Drechsel was preceded in death by his Dad, Lester "Drex" Drechsel; and his grandparents, Oscar and Bertha Danielson and Henry and Emma (Rocholl) Drechsel.

Jon Drechsel is survived by his children, Zachary Drechsel (Megan) and Kristin Nelson (Michael); his mom, Joyce "Snookie" Drechsel; his brother, Kristopher Drechsel (Susan); grandchildren, Amelia Drechsel and Alexander Drechsel; and a long list of deeply saddened friends and extended family.