Joseph Drella

DRELLA, JOSEPH MARTIN
Joseph Martin Drella, age 58, of 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 penpal. 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, of Black Creek. He is also survived by sister Diane (David) Hughes of Wautoma, brother Michael (Evie) Drella of LaHabra, CA, sister Linda Nolan of Oshkosh, brother John (Sue) Drella of Oconto, brother-in-law Pierre (Ann) Rawoens of 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 PM until 8 PM. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Friday, May 29, 2009 from 10 AM until funeral services at noon with Pastor Bernard Ferguson officiating. Military rites to follow service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com