Draker, Charleen B. 'Charky'

Charleen B. “Charky” Draker, 76, of Hills, passed away peacefully, Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at Mercy Iowa City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Reverend David Hitch officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City. A parish wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in rural Hills.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, The Charleen Draker Memorial Fund or Mercy Hospital Hospice Unit.

Charky was born July 1, 1933, in Oxford, the daughter of William and Eileen (Welsh) Stockman. Graduating from Iowa City High School, Charky married Elmer Draker on June 16, 1952, in Iowa City. Charky worked at the main bank location for Hills Bank & Trust Co. She later was employed with ASCS, Sharon Telephone Company and Hills Grain & Feed. Charky was also on staff for George L. Gay Funeral Home's Hills Chapel for many years as a greeter. She also served on the board of directors of Hawkeye State Bank in Iowa City.

Survivors include her son, David Draker (Polly) of Robins; grandchildren, John and Nicole; brother, Jim Stockman (Sue) of Iowa City; sisters, Joyce Villhauer and Barb Stockman, both of Muscatine, and Chris SyWassink (Rick) of Mount Pleasant; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Don (Ann) Draker of Hills, Lou Stumpf of Kalona, and Gene (Lola) Jennings of East Moline, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

Charky was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Elmer.

Charky was a kind and simple person with a genuine heart. She was most happy when visiting with family, friends and neighbors. Over the years, her kitchen table was the place of many lively conversations and games of cards. She was a listening ear to many, a lighthearted jokester, a faithful friend and an endearing mother. One of Charky's greatest joys was her grandchildren. She was a fun-loving grandmother to them and they were a ray of sunshine that warmed her life.

In the hearts of those that loved you, Charky,

You will always be there.

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