Edward Drabant Sr, 93, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2026.
Ed was born in Milaca Minnesota. He served in the Army in Korea. After leaving the service, he headed west, stopping in Butte overnight. He signed on to be a Contract Miner with the Anaconda Company the next day, making Butte his forever home.
He worked in several Butte mines and the Pit garage. When the mining operation shut down, he worked moving houses and buildings. He then worked in Arizona and New Mexico mines until he retired. After retirement, he volunteered at the Mining Museum giving tours to school children and other tour groups. He also participated in several documentaries/films about Butte’s mining history. Two of these were Butte the Original and Mining in Butte A Living History.
Ed married the Love of his Life Marlene Drabant. Together they had children, Paul, Glen, Michael, Joseph and Margaret. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to camp, hunt, & fish. He was an avid rockhound. He loved to gold pan; make Jewelry from stones he collected. He also had an amazing garden. Shooting the breeze with his friends, playing pool and Cribbage with his fellow Arco retirees were a favorite pastime.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Margaret Drabant; sisters, Bernice (Charles) Yetzer, Viginia “Jeanie” (Gary) Da’igle; grandsons, Darren (Sarah)Drabant and Bryan (Rona) Drabant; grandchildren, Lakeriana Drabant, Matthew Drabant, Mattea Drabant, Ayden Drabant, Saleea Rodrigues, Lily Rodrigues, Dominic Studeny, Skyler Studeny and Jace Drabant; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Drabant; sons, Micheal, Joseph, Glen and Paul; parents, John and Mary Drabant; brothers John “Sonny” (Clara) Drabant, Donald (Marge) Drabant, Ray (Roxanne) Drabant; sisters, Rosemary Mickelson and Marge Hagen.
A celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at the Eastside Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St., in Butte February 21st at 2 PM.
Axelson is privileged to care for Ed and his family.
Please comment below to share a memory of Ed or leave a condolence for the family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Lynn Swisher Rowen says
My condolence to Ed’s family. Ed and my father were good friends, and I will never forget the kindness he showed my dad when he was ill. What a good man. RIP Ed.
L D Albright says
To Ed’s Family..
I spent several years volunteering with Ed at the mine yards and the Museum of Mining. He was a wonderful man, and You all have my deepest sympathy.
Linda A.
Joseph Drabant says
I was really sad to hear about Ed’s passing. I remember the time when we visited when I was very young. We visited the mine and I got to see huge truck tires. We also had a great time seeing Yellowstone Park and Old Faithful. I remember you always.
Love, Joe and Shauntane Drabant.