Lars “Lee” L. Droivold passed away from this world on January 6, 2024, with the same strength, grace and wisdom he had shown for his entire life.
He came into this world at his home in Grass Valley on September 2, 1934, as a whopping 12-pound bouncing baby boy. His parents Louie and Sophia Droivold would tell the story of how they had to take turns carrying him when they went to town.
Lars was schooled locally. As a teenager he worked at Lake Olympia and at numerous other jobs. He was working for the Nevada Irrigation District, up in the mountains doing a snow survey, when his appendix burst! He skied down for help by himself. The doctor tried a new miracle drug he had brought back from Europe – it was penicillin. Without that, he would have not survived.
Shortly after that, he met Elva M. Peterson, who would become his wife for the next 50 years. He was drafted into the US Army shortly after they were married. Upon returning home from his duty in the service, he was walking down the street with his bride and was asked to go again to work for the Nevada Irrigation District. He decided it would be alright for something temporary, as he was not sure what he wanted to do. He retired 38 years later as Maintenance Superintendent.
He was an outdoorsman his entire life; he was a great fisherman and an even greater man. He was a life member of Nevada County Sportsmen’s club, in his over 50-year membership he made many of his closest friends and always enjoyed his time spent out at the club.
He assured his daughters and sons-in-law Deanna (Derek) Maxwell and Shauna (Kirk) Geary that he had had a “good trip” and that he was ready, and that they would be just fine only days before he passed. He also leaves five grandchildren: Lars (Molly) Smith, Courtney Smith , Nathan Droivold , Tyler Droivold, and Shawn Droivold. The wisdom he passed to them was immense, he was more like a father than a gramp. In later years, additional granddaughters were added by marriage: Kayla Geary , Lindsey Saxton, and Meagan Seevers; one great-grandchild Ruby Smith, and step-great-grandchildren: David Saxton, and Savannah Seevers; and his brother, Joseph Droivold.
He was predeceased by his wife Elva; their first infant daughter, Laura; and grandson, Derick Smith; his brother Jon Droivol; and sisters Martha Green and Julie Droivold.
There will be a Memorial for Lars on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the Nevada County Sportsmen’s Club located at 11296 Banner Mountain Trail in Nevada City.
