Norman Frederick Drewes

Norman Frederick Drewes, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away on October 21, 2025, at home of natural causes.

He was born on July 5, 1937, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Johann Heinrich Frederick Drewes (Fred) and Blanche Charlotte Ekstrom Drewes. He had one older brother and three older sisters, Kenneth Drewes of Idaho Falls, Helen Flitton of Idaho Falls, Alta Wright of Idaho Falls, and Jean Christensen of Shelley.

Norman attended Hawthorne Elementary School, O. E. Belle Junior High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School.

He married Roberta Marie Wolfgang on June 2, 1957, in the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Idaho Falls. Together, they had four sons, Warren Fredrick Drewes (Sandy) of Idaho Falls, ID, Scott Albert Drewes (Linda) of Great Falls, MT, Mitchell Lynn Drewes of Lompoc, CA, and Robert Norman Drewes of Westminster, CO. Norman and Roberta divorced in 1978. He then married Carol (Hammond) Sims on November 10, 1978, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With this marriage, he gained three step-daughters, Janna Ward of Boise, ID, Lori (Mike) Priest of Idaho Falls, ID, and Sheri Griggs of Idaho Falls, ID. Norm and Carol spent many years of fun, adventure, and taking Sunday road trips together. A stop at a casino was always one of their favorites.

Norman worked at the INL for thirty years for various contractors. Prior to his work at the INL, he was a salesman, a job that took him and his family to Boise, Idaho. Upon returning to Idaho Falls, he worked and retired from the INL after thirty years at the age of 56. Norman was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played basketball in high school and in a men's league afterward. He enjoyed playing golf, horse shoes, and watching pro football on Sundays. Norman also enjoyed camping. He bought a vacation cabin in Island Park, Idaho, in 1969 with his first wife, Roberta. He bowled in a bowling league for many years with friends. He enjoyed playing cards, namely Bridge. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and spent many afternoons with his buddies there after retirement.

He is survived by his four sons, Warren (Sandy), Scott (Linda), Mitchell, and Robert; his step-daughters, Janna, and Lori (Mike); 12 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Blanche; his brother, Kenneth; and his sisters, Helen, Alta, and Jean; his first wife, Roberta; his second wife, Carol; his step-daughter, Sheri; and two grandchildren, Jeremy and Roberta Nora.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Brio Home Health and Hospice and Cornerstone Care Giving for taking such special care of Norman at home during his last days. In honor of Norman, donations may be given to these two agencies.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.