Gary Lee Drabek passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 83 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa, after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his wife Kay and their three daughters, Lori (Kelly) Bruce of Boone, Iowa, Jackie Freeman of Nevada, Iowa, and Sue (Andy) Hardy of Nevada, Iowa, his five grandchildren: Chris (Abby) Wood, Cameron (Andrea) Wood, Tasha (Nato) Santos, Shane Freeman, Drew Hardy, step-grandchildren Billy (Jessika) Bruce and Dustin (Heather) Bruce, one great granddaughter Emmee Santos, one step great-granddaughter Liliana, his sister Carol Ellenwood of Indianola, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary enjoyed traveling with Kay throughout the United States on their motorcycle/trike for several years and going to south Texas in the winter for many years. Gary enjoyed doing jumble and crosswords and getting together with family, buddies, and friends. His grandchildren were his biggest joy, especially great granddaughter Emmee.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Helen Drabek, brothers: Sonny, Kenny, and his sister Judy.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Israel Family Hospice House, Mary Greeley Home Health, At-Home Care and Dr. Perry Rathe for their kind and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held at 2:00-4:00 pm, Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Monday, May 15, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church (422 4th Street) in Colo, Iowa with inurnment and military honors to follow at St. James Cemetery. The family is requesting casual dress or favorite ISU attire in honor of Gary.  The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking on Gary's photo on at www.rasmussonfh.com, then tribute wall.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.