Paul Drahos

PAUL JOSEPH DRAHOS

Cedar Rapids

Paul Joseph Drahos, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Father Philip Thompson presiding. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, where a vigil service begins at 4 p.m., followed by a rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jeanene; his children, Julie Gerard, Cedar Rapids, Lisa (Ed) Riehle, Cedar Rapids, Tim (Jenny) Drahos, Cedar Rapids, Tom (Elizabeth) Drahos, Lexington, Va., Deanna (Chris) Iverson, St. George, Utah, and Matthew (Amy) Drahos, Cedar Rapids; and 17 grandchildren, Alison Gerard, Joseph, Elizabeth and Eric Riehle, Kalie, Nathan and Zachary Drahos, Paul and John Drahos, Cole, Cade, Luke and Layla Iverson and Anna, Kevin, Alexander and Benjamin Drahos. He also is survived by one brother, Sylvester "Sub" (Pat) Drahos, Cedar Rapids; one sister, Kathryn (Larry) Risius, Longmont, Colo.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brothers, Dennis, Gilbert and Stephen.

Paul was born Nov. 3, 1934, in Bertram, Iowa, the son of Albin and Anna Drahos. He attended a one-room country school until fourth grade, at which time he transferred to Mount Vernon Public School, graduating with the Class of 1953. He also attended Iowa State University and served two years in the U.S. Army.

Paul was united in marriage to Jeanene Jewell on Oct. 14, 1961, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids.

Paul was employed for 30 years as a carpenter, superintendent and draftsman with Zobac Construction Co. In 1985, he became construction supervisor with the Cedar Rapids Community School District and retired in 2000. Paul had a very strong work ethic and passed this along to his family at an early age.

One of Paul's passions was music and he enjoyed playing trumpet in several bands over the years. In his early years, he played in polka bands and was a regular member of The Jolly Bohemians. In later years, he played with the New Horizon Band, Dixie Notes, Czech Plus, DTKK and several others.

He also was a master gardener and spent countless hours perfecting his work.

Paul will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion Moomey-Vogel Post 727.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under obituaries.