Eric David Drotning

Eric David Drotning, age 24, of Lakewood, Ohio, died suddenly Monday, June 20 Eric David Drotning, age 24, of Lakewood, Ohio, died suddenly Monday, June 20, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born to William and Christine (Borgen) Drotning on July 3, 1980, in Albuquerque, NM. 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, NM; sister Elizabeth Drotning (fianc Seth Hartwell), St. Paul, MN; grandmother Elna Borgen, LaCrosse, WI; grandfather David Drotning, Stoughton, WI; 3 uncles: N. John Borgen, New Brighton, MN; Charles Drotning, Madison, WI; Peter Drotning (Marsha), Las Vegas, NV; 6 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.