Jerald 'Jerry' Drabek
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February 26, 1941 - April 7, 2015
Resided in Mercer, MO

Jerald (Jerry) James Drabek passed away April 7, 2015 at HCI Bright Kavanagh Hospice in Des Moines. Memorial mass in celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Des Moines with Fr. Ly Chu and Deacon Gene Jager presiding. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. Interment of Jerry's remains will be at a later date at Iowa Veteran's Cemetery near Van Meter.

Jerry was born in Duncan, Iowa on February 26, 1941 to Jim and Vera Drabek. He was united in marriage in 1963, and he and Lessie were blessed with two children, Timothy and Angela. Jerry proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Senior Chief Radioman. During his naval career he was the proud recipient of five Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. After retirement, he and Lessie lived most recently in Grand Island, Florida and Mercer, Missouri.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lessie Drabek of Mercer, Missouri; daughter Angela (Danny) Greene of Durham, North Carolina; son Timothy Drabek of San Diego, California; his siblings and their spouses Roland (Karen) Drabek and Marjorie (LeRoy) Mayes of Mercer, Missouri, Leonard (Barb) Drabek of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Delores 'DeeDee' (Vern) Tyler of Prairie City, Iowa; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials in Jerry's name be given to HCI Bright Kavanagh Hospice, 3000 Easton Boulevard, Des Moines. Online condolences are welcomed at IlesCares.com.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES ~ GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL