James Drewek

James D. “Jim” Drewek, 78, Athens, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at his home.

Jim was born October 20, 1944, in the town of Rietbrock, son of the late Roman and Clara (Starzinski) Drewek.

Jim loved his farm. He took great pride in the serene beauty of it. The farm was always postcard perfect, as he put a lot of work and time into making it so. Jim had a short career as a dental assistant after graduation (Athens High School). He found indoor jobs were not for him. He became a skilled carpenter and was employed at Stratford Homes along with being a successful farmer.

As with many farmers of his day, he was gifted in fixing equipment and figuring things out on his own. He didn’t appreciate computers and automated phone systems that just complicated what could be done face to face. He did love to go to auctions in his later years, as that is how he socialized and spent time with good friends. Jim was a savvy bidder with an excellent eye for value. He enjoyed the entire auction process and the thrill of the hunt for a smart buy.

Jim was greatly loved and appreciated by his family. He had a gentle demeanor and soft caring voice. He did not have children of his own but was consistently kind, patient and loving to his nieces and nephews and they in return, especially in later years, tried to always be there for him. His goal was to stay on the farm as long as possible and he succeeded in meeting that goal with the help of Gary Schulz and Barb Werner, Martha Weber, and of course, his beloved family. Jim also had very dear friends that he looked at as his second family: Debbie and John Boyd, Marvin and Kathy Skrzypcak, Dale Heldt/Elaine and longtime close friend Jan Wojtalewicz. He looked forward to their time together. This lively group met at Edgar Corners at the round table to laugh, eat, talk and support each other.

Survivors include his nieces and nephews: Brian Drewek, Kathy Thurs (Bruce), Bonnie Krebsbach, Michele Toivonen (Dean), Judy Drewek, Rick Drewek, Debra Drewek, Sandy Drewek and Karen Miller (Brian), Candice Nitzsche (Randy), Lisa Peterson and Steve (Tanya) Dumdei; 17 great-nieces and nephews and 15 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Alex Drewek; his sister, Lorraine Dumdei and nephew, Steve Drewek.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may gather at the cemetery from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the committal prayers at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Paid obituary 140158