Service Information
Joseph “Joe” W. Drahos, age 67, husband of Paula, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Squaw Lake, rural Blackduck, Minnesota.
Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Joseph “Joe” William Drahos was born on June 7, 1957, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Robert and Mary Lou (Kiesler) Drahos. Joe was baptized as an infant on January 26, 1958, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 7, 1972, both at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. He received his education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School class of 1976.
On July 26, 1980, Joe was united in marriage to Paula Danks at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Jamie and Andrew. Joe and Paula made their home in the Hutchinson and Litchfield area. They shared 44 years of marriage.
Joe was employed at Hillyard in Hutchinson for 37 years before retiring in December 2019. He was a volunteer fireman for the Hutchinson Fire Department. Joe was also a member of Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson.
Joe enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, taking trips up north, and deer hunting with his buddies at the hunt club. He also enjoyed helping his sons and friends with house projects, building craft projects with Paula, golfing, and taking care of his lawn. Joe grew up water skiing, downhill skiing, and camping with his family at Big Bass Lake, rural Akeley, Minnesota. He especially cherished time spent with family and friends.
Joe passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Squaw Lake, rural Blackduck, Minnesota, at the age of 67 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Joe is survived by his:
Wife, Paula Drahos of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Jamie Drahos and his wife, Melissa of Hutchinson, MN,
Andrew Drahos and his wife, Crystal of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Adelyne, Harlow, Laney, Tanner, Taylor, Natalie, and Ellie;
Brother, Bruce Drahos and his wife, Ellen of Hutchinson, MN;
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Mary Lou Drahos; Brother, John Drahos.
Rick Sorenson says
Damn, the lord must have needed a really nice guy up in heaven. He was on friend the first day I got hired. Will miss him every day. See ya on the other side buddy. Love ya.
Lori and Brian Kaping says
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Kathy Whalen says
Paula and family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. We send our love and prayers.
Neil and Kathy Whalen
Michael Boller says
What Noo!! You will be missed
David & Deborah Keil says
Joe was a real gentleman. Our sympathies to his family.
Randy Ficken says
Paula and family so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was a great guy. Sending love and hugs, thoughts and prayers to you all.
Paula Drahos says
Thank you Randy for making the trip to attend Joe’s funeral. It meant a lot to me. I wish I had had more time to visit with you.
Beth kuiken says
I didn’t keep up with Joe after high school, but while in school we had fun together. Always enjoyed his sense of humor. My prayers are with his family. Beth kuiken
Connie Prieve says
Paula and family, Tom and I are so sorry. Joe was one of the good ones. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Jim Clay says
Joe was one of the nicest people I’ve known. As a neighbor on 2nd ave. I’ve known him my whole life. I am very sorry for your loss.
Julie Pankake says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Paula and family. We are thinking about you at this difficult time.
Jean Oleson says
Sending thoughts and prayers to Paula and family. This news is truly unbelievable. May God give this family strenght during this incredibily difficult time.
The Macemon Family says
We are putting our prayers together for all of you. There are no other words. He was truly a great guy!
Beth Fruetel says
Tom and I extend our sincerest sympathy to all of Joes family.
Scott Lindell says
“Just one more” on Madson Ave damn near cost me a vacation to Mexico. Thanks Joe, the next one is on me. Rest easy. -Lindy
Jamie Emans says
So sorry for your loss. Man I was sad. Joe was one of the nicest guys ever. Prayers to the family. Joe. Please have a cold one waiting in your garage in heaven brother. Til we meet again my friend.
Leigh Cohen Wyatt says
Paula and Family,
Shawn and I are so sorry for your loss. You two were great neighbors. Sending love and light.
Paula Drahos says
Thank you Leigh for attending Joe’s funeral. Hopefully I’ll see you at the Hutchinson Farmer’s Market this summer.
Pat and Joy says
Thoughts and prayers to you Paula, Jamie and Andy, and your family.
Bill and Annie Lund says
Joe was an absolute pleasure to work with and a great friend. Gone too soon. Many great memories!
Our deepest sympathy
Kathy Berghuis says
Sending sympathies to you. Joe was such a nice guy. He was a classmate of mine. Gone too soon.
Dean Mahlstedt says
It’s guys like Joe that make you want to be in business and keep selling jobs to have more time meeting with Joe. Far too soon for him to go. Our family is ever grateful to Joe and our thoughts and prayers to Paula and family.
Mark Santelman says
Although I did not know Joe well while in high school, we both got to the last couple of reunions and I really came to appreciate what he brought to our entire class so much more. Clearly from the comments above, Joe had a lot of friends.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Mark Santelman (Hutch ’76 grad)
Darla Cochran says
Dear Drahos family sending prayers ?? to all.we brought there house on Spruce st. Great place to live. He will be missed.