Edward C. Drahozal, 84, of Wheaton, Illinois, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday morning, January 14, 2017. He was born on January 7, 1933 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Rudolph and Bridget (Hruska) Drahozal.

Ed proudly served his country in the armed forces as part of the 510th Field Artillery Battalion, stationed near Salzburg, Austria. He received his Bachelor's degree from Loras College, and his MA and PhD from the University of Iowa. On December 27, 1958, he married Carol Jean Canfield. He was a math teacher in DeWitt, Iowa and a high school counselor in Jefferson, Iowa. In 1964, he accepted a position with Houghton Mifflin Company in Geneva, Illinois. This became his lifelong career involving a move to the Boston office, back to Iowa City, Iowa and a return to the Chicago area in 1983.

Ed enjoyed many hobbies including gardening. As a founding member of Saint Daniel's Church, Ed maintained magnificent flower beds there. He also had a large backyard garden where he raised produce to share with his neighbors, friends and small four-legged critters. Ed was an avid sports fan and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, socializing with their many friends and former army buddies, and especially spending time with his beloved family. Ed enjoyed playing pinochle, especially with his grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his wife Carol; sons Steven (Laura) Drahozal, Mike Drahozal, Kevin (Catherine) Drahozal, daughter Karen (Howie Bird) Drahozal; grandchildren John and David Manning, Grace, Lucie and Anna Drahozal; brothers Bernie, Denny and Mike Drahozal, sisters Catherine Sheka, Mary Lou Sanborn and Theresa Wieser.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Thomas.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 North Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Visitation will also be from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M. Sunday, January 22nd, at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., Cedar Rapids and after 9:30 A.M. Monday at the church. A vigil service will begin at 6:30 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Monday at Saint Ludmila Catholic Church by Father Dennis Juhl with interment at Saint John's Cemetery immediately following the service.

Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Moomey-Vogel Post #727.

Please visit www.hultgrenfh.com or www.papich-kubafs.com to leave the family your thoughts and remembrances.