Joseph H. Drexler's Obituary
Joseph H. “Uncle Joe” Drexler, at the proud age of 96, beloved uncle and godfather, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Bethel Home. He was born on July 9, 1921 in Oshkosh, a son of Herman and Mary (Lang) Drexler. He married the love of his life Mary (Berndt) on April 17, 1947.
Joe was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Parish and enjoyed traveling with Mary throughout the US including Hawaii. He spent his life enjoying various activities with family, friends, and many nieces and nephews.
Joe attended St. Vincent grade school and finished his education at Oshkosh High School in 1939. He worked at Valley Dental Laboratory until World War II. He entered the service in October of 1942 as part of the Army Medical Core. Joe left the service in December 1945 as a Sargent.
Upon returning to Oshkosh after the war Joe continued his work with Valley Dental Laboratory for a total of 19 years when he took a position with the custodial staff of the Oshkosh School System. He was assigned to Read School, Franklin School, and retired from Jefferson School. He was also known for his work at Oregon Clothing and Carl Putzer Clothing to help out on Friday Evenings.
During his busy life, he found time to volunteer at Sacred Heart Church. He was member of the Men’s Choir at Sacred Heart, a Forester, and a member of the American Legion. In 2011, Joe had the great privilege to be included in an Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington DC with his friend Joe Youngbauer.
Joe is survived by his brother Clarence Drexler of Oshkosh. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, from the families of Henrietta Lang, Helen Piller, Esther Green, Leo Berndt, Bernard Berndt, Lawrence Berndt, Clarence Berndt, Victor Berndt, and George Berndt. He is also survived by many close friends, especially Joe Youngbauer.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary in 1982. He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Henrietta, Raymond, Bernice, and Betty. He was also preceded in death by many in-laws and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of Gabriel Villa and Ascension Hospice for their respectful care of Joe during his final days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday June 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (519 Knapp St. Oshkosh, WI 54902) with Fr. Matthew Simonar as the celebrant. Visitation will be at Sacred Heart Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Committal services will follow the Mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to St Jude the Apostle Parish or an Alzheimer Organization.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?