Gerald A. Drascic

Surrounded by his family, Gerald A. Drascic, age 71, passed away Monday, November 17, 2008, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Racine on November 20, 1936, son of the late Anthony and Mildred (Nee: Petersen) Drascic.

Jerry graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1954.” On May 10, 1958, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Mary Sue Patzman. Jerry owned and operated Drascic Construction for 35 years, retiring in 1998. He was a member of St. Mary’s By the Lake Catholic Church. Jerry enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and playing cards. Above all, it was the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, that he treasured the most. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Mary Sue; six children, Elizabeth (Jim) Pitterle of Germantown, WI, Colleen (Mark) Troy of Viroqua, WI, Gregory (Cindy) Drascic of Anthem, AZ, Jeffry Drascic of Racine, Sharon (Matt) Koleske of Westerville, OH, and Linda (Dave) Mills of Greenfield, WI; 11 grandchildren, Kaitlan, Brenna, Kayle, Conor, Matthew, Christopher, Danielle, Nicholas, Megan, Sarah and Nicole; a sister, Kathy (Ray) Kant of Phoenix, AZ; two brothers, Richard (Patricia) Drascic of Indianapolis, IN, and James (Barbara) Drascic of Sturgeon Bay, WI; sisters-in-law, Joan Tures, Kay Deschler, and Carol Litrenta of Racine, and Barbara Patzman of Wauwatosa, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack and brother-in-law, H. James Patzman.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 21, 2008, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s By the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Dr., with Reverend Stephen Stradinger officiating. Inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to PRISMS-Smith-Magenis Syndrome 21800 Town Center Plaza, #266A-633, Sterling, VA 20164 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff and the Hospice Alliance Staff for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888