Drella, Joseph Martin

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 4873
• Obituary: 25 May 2009; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Joseph Martin Drella, 58, Black Creek, WI, passed away unexpectedly at UW Hospital, Madison, on Friday, May 22, 2009. Joe was recovering from two successful brain bypass surgeries when he suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage. He had volunteered to be an organ donor, and his wishes were carried out.
Joe was born to the late Urban and Marcella (Dolata) Drella of Hofa Park, WI, on July 2, 1950. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1968, then joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic.
While he was in Vietnam, Vicki Rawoens of Rhinelander became his pen pal. They were married on May 25, 1974. He worked as an electrician/ mechanic for Murphy Construction of Black Creek for almost 30 years. He enjoyed working on cars and restored a 1970 VW beetle. He attended the Community Bible Church in Black Creek.
Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Vicki, and daughter, Zoe Drella, Black Creek. He is also survived by sister, Diane (David) Hughes, Wautoma; brother, Michael (Evie) Drella, LaHabra, CA; sister, Linda Nolan, Oshkosh; brother, John (Sue) Drella, Oconto, brother-in-law, Pierre (Ann) Rawoens, Rhinelander and brother-in-law Joe (Lori) Rawoens of Milwaukee. He is also survived by special family friend David Betters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother and father-in-law, Albert J. Jr. and Patricia Rawoens.
Friends may call at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Friday, May 29, 2009, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at noon with Pastor Bernard Ferguson officiating. Military rites to follow service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

Joseph — Rawoens, Vicki. (daughter of Rawoens, Albert and Skeans, Patricia E.) [Group Sheet]