Albert Edward Drobnick

Jeremy Anderson2021-03-31T16:01:59-05:00

Name: Albert Edward Drobnick
Location of Birth: Bovey, Minnesota
Date of Birth: March 29, 1918
Date of Death: October 30, 1995
Parents: John Drobnick & Frances (Gerbec) Drobnick
High School and Class: 1936 Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota
College: 1938 Itasca Junior College, Coleraine, Minnesota
1940 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Colorado, Greeley, Colorado - Master's degree in education
Highest Rank: TEC 5 (Technical 5)
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: June 2, 1942
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: November 20, 1945
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
WW II Draft Registration Cards – 10/16/1940 – 03/31/1947
State: Minnesota
Name: Albert Edward Drobnick
Race: White
Age: 22
Birth Date: March 29, 1918
Birth Place: Bovey, Minnesota, USA
Residence Place: Bovey, Itasca, Minnesota
Registration Date: October 16, 1940
Employer: Oliver Iron Mining Co., Coleraine, Itasca, Minnesota
Weight: 150
Height: 5-11
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Next of Kin: Frances Drobnick, mother, Bovey, Itasca, Minnesota

Newspaper article – Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota – January 15, 1943 – “December 4, 1942. Bovey Service Club: I wish to express my sincere thanks for your Christmas gift which I just received, and which also included the gift of the Bovey Girl Scouts. The prospect of receiving mail tickles the soldiers here more than anything else. We have been getting mail at regular intervals, some being very old, some very recent and some doesn’t get here at all. I’ve been here for over two months now and like this place very much. The country is very beautiful and very interesting. The people are very interesting and most friendly. On several occasions I’ve been invited out to different homes and each time I’ve had a most enjoyable time. I could write pages depicting this place and some of my experiences, but censorship is very rigid. I cannot even tell you the day I received your package. The food we eat is swell and except for the dairy products and vegetables, is all from the States. We eat better here than I did in any of the camps back in the States. The pinch of war is felt much more here than, I believe, it is back in the States. Rationing is very severe. Nevertheless, I feel fortunate in being here. Christmas will be something unusual and certainly won’t be anything like back home. I will have to content myself with pictures, as far as the physical side of it is concerned, as a reminder. Our camp here is not very large and is situated in a very pretty environment. The movies are practically all from Hollywood and practically every show house is very beautiful here. Well, there isn’t very much I can say. I am enjoying myself in spite of all. You find women of our types, but it is rather difficult to find one with her own teeth. Well, so long. Private Albert Drobnick.”

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota – June 25, 1943 – “June 1, 1943. Dear Mr. Clem: I was trying to sell Minnesota to the boys with that post card I received from you. The fish certainly looked good. It’s just a year ago today I left Bovey. It does seem a long time ago, but considering all, the time is going by surprisingly fast. Little did I think I’d come all this way. Even though one isn’t enthusiastic of this life, it is of great educational value. I spent some time in New Zealand. A wonderful place there and a wonderful time I had. Quite a difference with this location I am now at. The climate is very healthful, and the way some of the natives live I can realize that it is in order for them to exist. I have been using two blankets at night. One cannot find much diversion from routine as he would like to have, but I think we can forgo that. We have a lot of movies to see at camps surrounding us and we have a projector at our own camp. Food has been very good recently as we have been getting a lot of fresh meat. One can get accustomed to dehydrated food too. I was quite satisfied not long ago when we had fresh fried eggs for breakfast. The first fresh eggs I’ve had since arrival on this island. I suppose several of the local boys are in this area. I haven’t run across any one I knew on this island, but I have been corresponding with Roger Enstrom and Harold Mandy who, you no doubt know, are also in this area. Sure was glad to hear the reports you heard of me in Warba. I enjoyed the year I put in there very much. The war news is getting to be very favorable. I think things will be breaking even more, and soon. I hope it will be the “Golden Gate” in 1948 for me! Right now I have the urge to keep moving. I’d like to see as much of this world as possible. I’d like to go to India next. Well, I appreciate your cards. I myself am able to write very little and usually it is all repetition. Am getting along very well here. Regards, Albert Drobnick.”

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
Albert Drobnick taught school in Warba for one year prior to entering the Army in 1942. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during WW II. After the war he returned to Minnesota and taught in Nashwauk-Keewatin schools 40 years, retiring in 1985. He lived in Keewatin from 1945-1965, Bovey for over 20 years, and had been a resident of Grand Rapids for 7 years prior to his death. He was married to Jeanne Talbot of St. Cloud and following her death, married Lucille Fuhrman in 1988 in Grand Rapids. He was a life member of the Minnesota Education Association.

Albert died in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine, Minnesota (Block 66). He is survived by his wife, Lucille; son Dennis Drobnick; two daughters, Diane Ronchetti and Becky Drobnick; four step-children, Dale Fuhrman, Diane Randall, Joan Hutchins, and Debbie Coy; two brothers, Joe & John; two sisters, Marge Baich and Mary Steetar; four grandchildren, thirteen step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jeanne in 1984; a brother, Frank; and a brother in infancy.

Tribal Affiliation(s):