Donald Joseph Draker, 85, of Hills, died Thursday, April 1, 2021, at his home. Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hills. Burial was at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in rural Hills. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Don’s name.
Don was born Feb. 11, 1936, to Arthur and Francis (Kron) Draker. He was the youngest of six children. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Iowa City High. He was married to Anna Marie Hebl on Aug. 31, 1959, together they raised six children.
Don was a person who lived in the moment and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: playing softball, Euchre, a cold beer, cheering on the Hawkeyes and the Cardinals. He achieved something many people never do; being content and satisfied with what he had in life. He worked hard, helped anyone and everyone he could with both things big and small (he kept everyone’s windows sparkling!) He was a member of and volunteered on the Hills Fire Department, Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, Iowa Beef Quarters, Hills Town & Country, Johnson County Cattleman, St. Joseph Church and as a youth baseball coach.
Don’s children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He loved attending all their school and sporting events and cheering them on from the stands. His competitive nature fueled his love for Euchre, horseshoes, softball, and the Iowa Hawkeyes; hobbies he shared with his family. He also enjoyed wintering in Texas and the Iowa State Fair.
Survivors include his wife: Ann of Hills; daughters: Diane (Paul) Waldschmidt of Kalona, Julie Wilson of Sigourney, Cindy (Rick) Woods of Fairbank, Shelly (Jeff) Klein of Iowa City, Lori (Loren) Landsgard of Fairbank; 11 grandchildren: Rochelle (Jared) Kane, Ryan (Shelby) and Dan (Danielle) Waldschmidt, Michael (Morgan) and Morgan Wilson (Andrew), Riley Woods, Kailey, Jacob and Drew Klein, Madison and Parker Landsgard; nine great-grandchildren: Sophia and Miles Wilson, Audra, Asher and Alice Kane, Ainsley and Everly Waldschmidt, Leo and Louis Waldschmidt; two sisters: Eugenia Stumpf and Lola Jennings; and special family members: Mary Rita Hebl and Merle and Cathy (Fitzmaurice) Hill and family.
Preceding Don in death was his son: Charles (Chuck); his parents; sister: Marie Draker; and two brothers: Leonard and Elmer.
Don never went anywhere that he didn’t have friends. He may not have had any when he arrived, but he was sure to have made some by the time left. In honor of him, say hello to a stranger today. We need more people like that in the world.
