Michael Drakulich

Michael Drakulich of Lakewood, Colorado died November 14, 2022 of a heart attack at Saint Anthony Hospital, surrounded by family and loved ones. He is preceded in death by son Durl Drakulich (Renee); by parents Ely and Mara (Matich) Drakulich; by siblings Ljubica Drakulich, Catherine Thompson (Bill), Sophie Churchich (Joe), Sam Drakulich (Beatrice), Zorka Povich (Paul), Ruby Zansky (Joe), and Melvin Drakulich (Gertrude). Michael is survived by his loving Wife of 74 years, Dagmar Drakulich; by his sister Anne Renard (Leo); by his children Stephan Drakulich, Michael Patrick Drakulich, Lisa DeLeo, Samantha Link (Jeffrey), and John Drakulich (Tracey); by his Grandchildren Scott Drakulich (Nikki), David Drakulich (Dani), Patrick Swanson (Magoretti), Michael Eli Drakulich, Patrick Drakulich, Krista Bergren (Michael), Rebecca Higgins, Sarah Gomez (Ricky), Tyler Link, Dylan Link (Sarah), Chase Link, Cole Drakulich, Allison Drakulich; by 20 Great-Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Michael attended school through 10th grade, dropping out to support his family by running the family business in place of his father Ely, who was injured. On March 4th, 1943, he became an active service member of the Army eventually earning the rank of Sergeant in the 555th AntiAircraft Artillery Battalion, nicknamed “The Five by Five”. Michael and his battalion liberated Nazi Concentration Camp Nordhausen on April 12, 1945 saving countless lives. On November 11th, 2006, Michael alongside his Wife and Children were invited to attend a White House Brunch to honor his heroism while serving alongside Harold B. Welch, First Lady Laura Bush’s Father.

After being honorably discharged on March 6th, 1946 at the conclusion of World War II, Michael met his Wife Dagmar who he would go on to love for the rest of his life on Earth. The two were married July 11, 1948 at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Together, they were blessed with 6 children, 13 Grandchildren, and 20 Great- Grandchildren.

Michael began work for Booth Fisheries selling a full line of restaurant items to various restaurants and grocery stores. He was promoted to Manager and transferred from Omaha, Nebraska to Boise, Idaho in 1957. He was transferred again in 1969 to Denver, Colorado, settling in Lakewood, Colorado where he would build a house and a home that was the foundation for all of his family. After retiring from Booth Fisheries, Michael and his Wife opened their own seafood brokerage, A1 Net Sales which was in operation until the time of their final retirement.

On October 29, 1972, Michael and his Wife, along with 8 other members of the Holy Transfiguration of Christ Church, established a new Parish naming it St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Littleton, Colorado. The purpose of their mission was to create a church where English was primarily spoken so churchgoers and young children could better understand the faith. Michael and his Wife attended and supported the Parish until it was no longer physically possible. Michael’s faith was strong and he was still able to partake in communion and prayer for the remainder of his life, with the help of Father Seraphim Gisetti.

Michael enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, baking, gambling, taking his family on camping trips, and spending time at his cabin in Fairplay, Colorado. He loved to be together with his family playing games and telling stories. He always had a joke to tell and he took pleasure in making people laugh.

The viewing will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, at 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado. A second viewing will be Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm, at St. Herman of Alaska Church located at 991 W. Prentice Avenue in Littleton, Colorado. The funeral will follow at 4:00pm. Michael will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Tuesday November 29, 2022 at 2:30 pm. For those who would like to attend Michael's Shelter Service at Fort Logan, please arrive at Staging Area B no later than 2:15pm.

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