Kenneth J. Drazba, 80, of Huntley, formerly of the Lake of the Ozarks, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family.
Ken was born in Chicago on September 13, 1940 to parents James and Marion (nee VanAllen) Drazba. While attending Western Illinois University he caught the eye of Barbara Dugan and they married on September 5, 1964. Ken was a hardworking and caring reliable husband and father. He took great pride in his work at Case IH and was always there for his wife and children. He loved to spend time boating and fishing with friends at the lake. Many summers were spent teaching his children and their friends how to water ski and enjoy lake living! He loved to entertain and always had a kind word for everyone. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara Drazba, his children, Shelly Drazba (Joe Spellman), Dr. Carrie Drazba (Eric Moran), and David Drazba, his grandchildren, Patrick Moran and Colin Moran, and his sister, Louise (Chuck) Emlund.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at Rush University Medical Center. Please send memorial gifts to the Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit http://rush.convio.net/KDrazba.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
My condolences to the Drazba family. Draz was a fellow IH / CaseIH friend for many years and a gentleman in every respect. He always had a firm handshake and a smile whenever you met him. RIP Ken
Our condolences to you and your family. He was a very nice person, and fun to talk to. Sincerely, Ned & Cynthia Dolcimascolo
So sorry to hear about my friend Ken Drazba. Great family!
Barb: Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Every time I look at your house across the street, I miss all of you, your kids, and our time together. My deepest sympathies go out to you, Shelly and Carrie. Draz will be deeply missed, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Larry joins me in praying for God’s comfort for all of you!
Love all of you . Remember Ken's kindness to me
Barb, was so sorry to hear about Ken! I know what heart break you are going thru! God bless you and ur family . Keep in touch ! Maybe some day we will meet at the lake again, at Tom ! and Lynne’s . Keep in touch!
My heart felt sympathy goes to Barbara and the entire family. Draz was the HR manager when I worked at the IH KC Regional office. A man of the highest integrity and I enjoyed working with him and all the staff. Great memories of our great working friendship. Always a big smile and a “can do” attitude! Rest In Peace my good IHC / CIH colleague.
I am very sad to hear about my friend and Fraternity Brother Ken. My condolences to the entire family and especially to Barb.
Barb and Family We are very sorry for your loss and so is the IH family . What a great man. Very proud to have known him. A zest for life and a personality to match. Thanks for sharing him with us. He is in a great place and I’m sure he is shaking hands and making more friends! Our prayers are with you all Gerry
We are remembering all the wonderful memories we’ve had together over the last 43 years since being neighbors on 101st street, Lenexa Ks. Our kids grew up together; and Drazbas bought their Ozark cabin the first weekend with us at our cabin. The swimming, boating, crappie fries, pickled bluegill, going to Troutdale for trout, and Draz’s favorite dessert- Banana Foster are all treasured memories. After 40 plus years of friendship, we finished by co-owning our little “Kings Way” cabin in central Wisconsin. Draz really wanted “a last season or two on a lake”. We cherish these memories...and we have said many times “Thank God for the lake memories, with the kids followed by the grandkids”. We love you Barb, Shelly, Carrie, and David. You’re in our thoughts and prayers ! Tom and Lynne
Dearest Barb and family. So sorry to hear of Kens passing. Ken interviewed me for my job with Harvester and was my first boss. Ken always had my back in the tough years we all experienced with the company. I know he is watching over us now but just in a different place. Be at peace Ken.
I always enjoyed the times I spent with Ken in the offices in Kansas City and Lincoln. He was a great employee and a very fun loving man. RIP Ken!
We have a picture hanging in our office of the Drazies, Wherleys, and Kinslows celebrating a bon voyage party for the Wherleys before going to Hawaii. This is just one of the many lasting memories of The Threesom in Lenexa, at the Lake, and the many New Years celebrations we had together over the years. Our thoughts are with you and your children.
Barb, I am sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Ken was one of my mentors on the region when i started in sales in Iowa. Ken, Ringo, Rod Anderson, Dan Buchman, All solid individuals and i soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. That team was a great bunch and i always remember the fun times with Ken and the group as well as the knowledge they shared with the young one on the territory. The stories were many and the work was as well, but the seasoned veterans always carried us and we got it done in true fashion with a little fun on the side. Our prayers are with your family.