With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Maarten Drost, who left this world peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 91. Maarten was a strong family man who lived a wonderful, faith-driven life. He was a kind, curious man who valued education, and loved puzzles, words and a good conversation. If you knew Maarten, you knew of his love for cows. His unique humor and warmth touched all of those around him. Maarten was a supportive member of Trinity United Methodist church.

Born on September 29, 1934, in Aalten, Netherlands, Maarten emigrated to the United States in 1955 to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University (1962) and is a Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists. Beginning his academic career at the University of California, Davis, Maarten was recruited to the University of Florida to help start a new veterinary school. As a cherished UF professor, he inspired countless students and colleagues with his unwavering passion and dedication to the field of animal reproduction, and he reluctantly retired in 2005.

Maarten is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Joan Drost; his children, Tod (Cate) Drost, Kirk (Yvonne) Drost, Katie (Eric) Pederson and Niki (Michael) Lunsford; and his beloved grandchildren Madeleine (Ishwar), Georgia (Jesse), Hamilton, Jacob, Ethan, Maarten, Samuel, Alyssa, Kelsey (Jeremy), Hannah, and Thomas and his great-grandchildren, Kenai and Lula.

Maarten was predeceased by his father Henry Jacobus, mother Jeanne Felix, brother Jan (John) Willem and sister Agaath. He is survived by his brothers Nicolaas (Klaus) and Henry Jacobus (Joen), his sisters Dineke and Jeanne, his sisters-in-law Willy, Ieke, and Wil, and his brothers-in-law Hans and Klaas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 9, 2026, at Trinity United Method Church (Gainesville, FL) starting at 10:03 am.

The link to the Maarten Drost Celebration of Life service livestream website is: https://trinitygnv.org/funerals. This link will bring you to the Trinity UMC funeral page. Please click on the "livestream coming soon" button. It will take you to Trinity's YouTube channel. The service will start at 10:03am on Monday February 9, 2026. A few minutes before the service, the livestream will be available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following:

1. Visual Guides of Animal Reproduction - the Drost Project - https://visgar.vetmed.ufl.edu/

2. Trinity United Methodist Church - https://trinitygnv.org/

3. Haven Hospice Foundation - Haven Hospice

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Ave Gainesville FL 32609...352-378-2528