Ronald C. VonDrachek, age 82 of Manitowoc, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc.
Ron was born on March 3, 1943, in Green Bay, son of the late Charles F. and Marcella C. (Kocourek) VonDrachek. He grew up in the Reedsville area and was a graduate of Reedsville High School in 1961. On April 8, 1961, Ron was married to Marsha L. Mikowetz. She preceded him in death on June 15, 1964. On March 4, 1972, Ron was married to Judith M. (Grabowski) Sowinski at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Ron’s career was as a chief engineer on the Great Lakes for 20 years and transferred to deep sea international shipping with the Maersk Line LTD for 23 years.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Golden K Kiwanis Club of Manitowoc of which he served as Treasurer, Knights of Columbus Council #710 of which he served as Grand Knight and Assembly #1212. He received Kiwanian of the Year twice, Zeller Fellowship and the Hixson Fellowship. Ron enjoyed biking, photography, volunteering, and using his computer.
Survivors include his wife: Judi VonDrachek, Manitowoc; four daughters and sons-in-law: Sharon (Robbie) Koll, Manitowoc, Mary (Jeff) Miller, Green Bay, Kris (Steven) McGahan, Gales Ferry, CT, Elizabeth (Jim) Maertz, Vernon, TX; five grandchildren: Tim Pozorski, Jennifer Pozorski, John Koll, Paydon Miller (Allison Kimble), Stephanie (Chris) Weber; nine great-grandchildren: Kyle, Phoebe, Dominic, Grayson, Sydney, Easton, Campbell, Kade, Jack; two sisters: Arlene Kiel, Shawano, Judith Reis, Reedsville; one brother and sister-in-law: Robert (Judy) VonDrachek, Green Bank, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. Ron was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Marcella VonDrachek; his first wife: Marsha L. VonDrachek; two great-grandchildren: Riley David and Delaney Rose; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Edmund and Grace Grabowski; two brothers-in-law: Hank Kiel, Jerome Reis.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N 14th St., Manitowoc. The Rev. Doug LeCaptain will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with cremation to follow and burial of his cremated remains at Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi on Friday from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm. Memorial donations would be appreciated for the Knights of Columbus, Golden K Kiwanis and The Crossing, all of Manitowoc.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
