It is with deep sadness that we
announce Eric Drotning passed away suddenly on Monday, June 20th as a
result of an automobile accident. Eric was a member of the Santa Clara
Vanguard from 1997-1998 where he played tympani. In 2001, he was the
timpanist and pit section leader for the Blue Devils.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to establish a music scholarship in Eric's memory at St. Olaf College.
As an entire organization and family, the Blue Devils and Santa Clara Vanguard
would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the
Drotning family. We are very proud to have had Eric as part of our
family. He will be missed.
The following is Eric's obituary from the local paper:
Eric David Drotning, age 24, of Lakewood, Ohio, died suddenly on
Monday, June 20, 2005, as a result of an automobile accident. He was
born to William and Christine (Borgen) Drotning on July 3, 1980, in
Albuquerque, N.M. He was an active member at Holy Cross Lutheran
Church, where he was confirmed. While growing up in Albuquerque, Eric
participated in many activities including Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts,
the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, LCHS band, Science Bowl, JETS and
National Honor Society. He attended the Lutheran Summer Music Program,
and was timpanist for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps in
1997 and 1998. In 2001, he was section leader of the pit percussion for
the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Eric graduated from La Cueva High
School in 1998. He attended St. Olaf College, was principal
percussionist in the St. Olaf Orchestra and Band, and graduated with a
bachelor's degree in percussion performance. Currently, Eric was
completing a master's degree in percussion performance at Cleveland
State University, maintained a private percussion studio, and was
principal percussionist for the Youngstown Symphony. Additionally, he
performed in many other orchestras in Ohio and West Virginia. Eric is
survived by his wife, Helen Pickering Drotning; his parents, William
and Christine Drotning, Albuquerque, N.M.; sister, Elizabeth Drotning
(fiance, Seth Hartwell), St. Paul, Minn.; grandmother, Elna Borgen,
LaCrosse; grandfather, David Drotning, Stoughton; three uncles, N. John
Borgen, New Brighton, Minn.; Charles Drotning, Madison; Peter Drotning
(Marsha), Las Vegas, Nev.; six cousins; and many other family and
friends. Eric was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Drotning; and
grandparents, Pastor Luther Borgen and Florence Drotning. Funeral
services will be held at BOE MEMORIAL CHAPEL, ST. OLAF COLLEGE,
Northfield, Minn., at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2005. Burial will
take place at Coon Prairie Cemetery, Westby. Memorial services will be
held in Albuquerque, N.M., and Cleveland, Ohio, at a later dates. In
lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to establish a music
scholarship in Eric's memory at St. Olaf College. The Vosseteig Funeral
Home, Westby, is serving the family. Eric was our pride and joy, and a
blessing to all who knew him. He was steadfast, loyal, loving, witty,
gentle, and kind. He was a magnificent son and brother, a loving
husband, a superb musician, a true friend. His spirit shown forth in
his music and his smile, both a delight to all who met him. Eric is
sorely missed by his family and friends, but lives on in our hearts,
our treasured memories, and the beat of every song.
(Source: http://www.madison.com/obits/listings.php?type=trans&date=06%2F23%2F2005)