Duane R. Drahos, 86

Duane Richard Drahos, age 86, of Shell Rock, died Monday, September 15, 2014, at his home from natural causes.

Duane was born on November 15, 1927, in Lincoln Township, Tama County, Iowa, the son of Joe and Ruth (LeFevre) Drahos. He was raised in rural Tama County and attended Carroll #2 country school until the 8th grade. Duane then went to work as a hired hand for local farmers. On June 3, 1953, Duane was united in marriage to Joan Pierce at the Lutheran Church in La Porte City. In 1959, Duane went to work for John Deere in Waterloo where he worked until retiring in 1990. Duane also farmed while working at John Deere buying his first farm near Rowley, Iowa in 1960. He would farm there until 1966, when they bought the home place southwest of Shell Rock. Duane also drove semi for several companies in his spare time.

Duane was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shell Rock, Cedar Valley Engine Club, and United Auto Workers. He enjoyed playing cards, wood carving, reading, bird watching, wintering in Arizona, and working on and showing his John Deere tractors at Antique Acres and other venues, however, what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family.

Duane’s memory is honored by: his wife, Joan of Shell Rock; four daughters, Marcella (Marlin) Adolphs of New Hartford, Miriam (Clay) Prusha of Marshalltown, Cynthia (Tom) Weida of Traer, and Roxann Derr of Clutier; ten grandchildren, Angela Hallett, Virginia Knorr, William Pierce, Matthew Rausch, Joshua Rausch, Michael Adolphs, Travis Adolphs, Amy Hutchison, Lucas Derr, and Colton See; Six step-grandchildren, Tracy Nickle, Jason Weida, Misty Weida, Brandy Cooper, April Burr, and Crystal Prusha; twenty three great-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents, a daughter, Elizabeth Drahos; a brother, Merle Drahos; two sisters, Mildred Kaufman and Helen Schmitz; and a grand son-in-law, Jason Hallett.

Duane has been cremated and memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Shell Rock with Pastor Kim Smith officiating. Burial of cremains will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. Family will greet friends on Thursday, September 18, at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Shell Rock from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Duane’s family and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.