RANDOLPH - Howard J. Drzonek, 76, of Randolph, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Golden Living Center – Continental Manor, Randolph.
Howard was born on Aug. 30, 1933, in the Town of Westford to Louis and Sarah (Hepp) Drzonek. He was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Randolph High School. On Oct. 1, 1960, he was united in marriage to Joan Hollander in Columbus. Howard enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and gardening; especially sharing the produce with friends and family. Howard and Joan also enjoyed collecting hickory nuts and supplying others with nutmeats. Howard will be remembered as that little guy with a smile and a wave.
He fought a courageous battle with cancer and was cured for 13 years before it returned in January 2009. Joan was diagnosed in July 2008. They both lost their battle with cancer but set good examples for the rest of us with their faith and inner strength.
Howard was a member of Annunciation Catholic Parish in Fox Lake. He was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus, Beaver Dam. Howard worked at Kirsh Foundry in Beaver Dam for 35 years before the first round with cancer forced an early retirement.
Howard is survived by his daughter, Lisa and her husband Mark Hopp, Middleton; five sisters, Virginia (Ray) Niehoff, Randolph, Beatrice (Greg) Hanson, Rio, Ella (Leonard) Baerwolf, Columbus, Ethel (Ronald) Herold, Beaver Dam, and Agnes Derrick, Randolph; his brother, Ray Drzonek, Sr., Beaver Dam; a sister-in-law, Margaret Drzonek, Doylestown; brothers-in-law, Arthur Braker, and Donald (Carol) Hollander, both of Columbus; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his dog Nikko.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joan on July 11, 2009; his parents; a brother, Earl Drzonek; a brother-in-law, Ken Derrick; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Braker.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Annunciation Parish, 305 W. Green St., Fox Lake, with the Rev. Michael L. Wild officiating. Burial will follow in the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery, Randolph. Howard’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 S. High St., Randolph, with a prayer Vigil held at 7 p.m.; and on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
A Memorial fund has been established in Howard’s name.
The family expresses sincere thanks to the staff of Golden Living Center-Continental Manor, and Hillside Hospice for their loving care of Howard and Joan.
Randolph Community Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent from www.randolphfh.com.