"My mom just told me... I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember working with Don the summer of 1993 at the Commissary on KI. He was always very kind to me, and he will be missed."
In loving memory of
DONALD D. DREWEK
July 1, 1934 - April 9, 2012
Donald Drewek, 77, of Negaunee, formerly of Little Lake, died Monday afternoon, April 9, 2012 in the hospice suite at Marquette General Hospital with his loving family at his side and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
He was born on July 1, 1934 in the town of Halsey, Wisconsin to the late John and Anna (Slewitzke) Drewek. Don served 26 years on active duty with the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, retiring in June of 1980 from K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base as a Master Sergeant. His career in the Air Force spanned the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.
After retiring, Don worked as a civil servant at K.I. Sawyer until its closure in 1995.
He enjoyed the outdoors, archery, reading, and watching old western movies. Don will be remembered by his family as a loving, caring husband and father.
Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Shirley Eder whom he married on August 30 1958 at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio; 6 children, Timothy (Karen) Drewek of Dallas, TX, Daniel (Theresa) Drewek of Ivanhoe, TX, Kathleen (Michael) Burrow of Dallas, TX, Martin (Michelle) Drewek of Wichita Falls, TX, Cynthia (Larry) McCreary of Seattle, WA and Matthew Drewek of Marquette; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; 1 brother, John Drewek, Jr. of Tucson, AZ; his best friend, Carl Bosley of Gwinn; also 2 nieces and 1 nephew. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a sister, Gertrude Fisher.
A memorial service will be held at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Nicholas Thompson officiating. Don's family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the St. Michael Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants." (Psalm 116:15 NIV)
Until Jesus returns or calls me home. Love, Shirley.
Memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"I was always impressed with Don's quiet unassuming attitude. He graciously encouraged Shirley and I to go out for fish dinners. One of my last memories was a late lunch with both Shirley and Don after we moved a single bed to their new apartment. The move although difficult, provided some peace and quiet for both of them. It also eased the transition from this life for Don as they were closer to the two hospitals. I was glad to know them as neighbors."
"Dear Shirley Sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember chatting with you and Don at Jerry's in Gwinn, you and Don our in our thoughts and prayers."
"Shirley and family, I was saddened to read the obituary of Don's passing. It has been years since I have seen you, but often think about you. You are in my thought and prayers. I will try to come to the service in July. Please take care"
"Shirley & family, very sorry to hear about your husbands passing. It was always a welcome treat to see you guys. You all have my deepest sympathy."
"Dear Shirley and Family, I relate this story in memroy of Don. My favorite memory of Don is from about 6 or 7 years ago. We were all living at the Country Log Apartments and I had a Golden Retriever, Max. Max always stopped to say "hi" to Don and over the years he had shown a lot of interest in Don's truck. I told Don that I thought Max had always wanted to ride in it. So, we did just that! Somehow, we got an arthritic Golden Retriever in the truck and the 3 of us rode to Little Lake! Max had his head out the window with his ears flapping in the breeze. Don and I laughed almost the whole way there and back. Max crossed the Rainbow Bridge 1-26-07. Love, Bette Talaga and Cooper Dog"
"My condolences to the Drewek family. Though you don't know me, we each have experienced the sting of death. So may the God of Peace bring comfort to your soul. And take pleasure in Jehovah's God's promise at Isaiah 33:24 where it says that, "And no resident will say: I am sick. The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error." Imagine death one day being a thing of the past."
"Shirley, Matt and the Family, we were so sorry to hear about Don. We'll be out of town on July 1, but we would be there with you if we could. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Prayers, thoughts and love to all. God Bless, Wingman...Thank you for your love and service to your Country."
"See you again Dad and Grandpa. We will always love and miss you. No more pain and suffering. I wish we had spent more time together. All our Love always and forever."