William Drazkowski

WILLIAM J. DRAZKOWSKI

William J. Drazkowski, age 87, of Winona, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on December 23, 1929, in Winona, to William and Helen (Zywicki) Drazkowski.  He graduated from Cotter High School, and went on to earn a degree in Economics from St. Mary’s College in Winona.  He was united in marriage with Arlys Martinson on March 29, 1951, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona.

Bill was employed as the assistant controller for St. Mary’s University in Winona, and he was the accountant for KWNO radio for many years. Bill also owned American Gramophone in Winona for five years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona, and was a charter member of the Winona Bowhunters Club.

He will be remembered for his love of nature and the outdoors.  He was a noted local naturalist who enjoyed birds, wildflowers, trout fishing, and he gave numerous nature presentations throughout the state.  He was active with the Isaac Walton League; the Hiawatha Valley Audubon Society, where he served as the president for 25 years; and was honored as the Winona Outdoorsman of the Year.  Bill was an accomplished photographer, and his favorite subjects included birds, wildflowers, butterflies, and dragonflies.  Many of his photographs have been published in leading nature magazines, including National Geographic.  Bill was a certified raptor rehabilitator who nursed many eagles, hawks, and owls back to health.  Bill was a long-time Cotter High School supporter and sports fan.

Bill’s family was the foundation of his life, and he had a great love for all of his children and grandchildren.  He especially cherished the many days that the family spent at the cabin in Trempealeau.  He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Bill is lovingly survived by his wife of 66 years, Arlys, Winona; children: Barry (Tammy) Drazkowski, Fountain City, WI; Paula (Michael) Walter, Winona; Tom (Jane) Drazkowski, Red Wing, MN; Greg (Maria) Drazkowski, Menomonie, WI; and Kathy (Tim) Glowczewski, Winona; grandchildren: Libby, Katie, Anne, Jesse, Ella, Jason, Melissa, Frank, Emma, Anna, Kayla, Shane, Katrina, Hannah, and Haley; great-grandchidlren: Cylver, Talon, Lucy, Samantha, and Mason; brothers-in-law: Arthur (Patty) Martinson and Arlen Martinson; sisters-in-law: Karen (Allen) Burt and Eva Martinson; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law: Mary Marx; sister: Alice Rozek; and brothers-in-law: Jerry Martinson and Roger Martinson.

Visitation will be held at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka on Monday, February 6, 2017, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer and the Reverend James Berning will concelebrate.

A family burial will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to Kathy Glowczewski, and they will be designated to the Hiawatha Valley Audubon Society, and also for a permanent memorial to Bill at the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Bill’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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