Obituary of Richard Leon Draves

Richard Leon Draves, age 71, of Eden Prairie, passed on May 30, 2016. Employed as counselor with Minneapolis Indian Youth Services, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and for 21 years as a Juvenile Correctional Officer at Hennepin County Home School, Richard was a tireless teacher, leading youth and adults to live in peace with themselves and others. He valued those coworkers who struggled with him to teach children ways to a happy and spiritually evolving life. Once finding his path and self-understanding in his tour of duty on earth, Richard powered through his years in the midst of chronic illnesses and many life-extending surgeries. He was driven by a conviction to remain a viable protector, healer and guardian of persons less equipped to help themselves. A member of the White Earth Chippewa tribe, his personal library reveals a deep study of Anishinaabe and Biblical teachings. He was passionate for the end of racial injustice and inequality. Richard’s voice can be heard lamenting that the crack in the Liberty Bell was caused by genocide in this country and that the crack widens as many people do not see each human life as valuable; to be protected. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman Emil Draves and Bernice Katherine (Vanoss) Draves, brother Joseph Otto Draves, niece Amy Draves, nephews Kevin Trowbridge and Frank Draves Jr. Sister Donna Trowbridge of Plymouth, MA passed just hours after Richard, on May 31. He will be deeply missed by well-loved wife Linda (Schroedermeier) Draves, his son Richard Brendan Draves and wife Colleen, brother Francis Draves and wife Caroline of Louisiana, nephew Clayton Draves and wife Jill, niece Carrie Draves of Houston TX, niece Kristen Draves and partner Tone, many cherished great nephews and great nieces in Texas, Louisiana and Minnesota, and many friends and acquaintances. Brother William Draves of Arizona, Richard’s daughter Kellie Draves, son Garrin Draves, grandchildren and great grandchild all had a place in his heart. In honor of his cardiology doctors and life-saving nurse in 2001, memorials can be directed to the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, www.mplsheart.org A Celebration of Life event is pending travel arrangements for family and friends. “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal”