Francis W. Druschel

Francis W. Druschel, 86, of Holton passed away Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania on November 9, 1922 the son of Henry and Elizabeth Druschel. He was married to Janette Sizemore on January 14, 1950 and she preceded him in death on July 24, 2004. Survivors include one son Ronald Druschel of Versailles; three daughters, Roseann Becktell of Versailles, Patricia (Charles) Stidam of North Vernon, and Linda (Tom) White of Osgood; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Frank, daughter Diane, and his brothers Frank, Bill, and Floyd Druschel. Mr. Druschel was a 1939 graduate of Aurora High School in Aurora, Illinois and was a Navy veteran of WWII. He entered the service at age 17 and served as a gunners mate on a carrier bomber in the South Pacific. He and his brothers were all in the military at the same time during WWII. He survived 2 sea crashes and 2 crashes on land, one behind enemy lines. Mr. Druschel served a total of 11 years in the Navy and trained as a Navy Seal. He worked for 16 years as a maintenance foreman at Muscatatuck. He also enjoyed art and had painted the covered bridge mural on the shelter house in the Holton Park as well as the entrance signs at Holton. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 22 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.