John Drake

John Drake, 68 years old, passed away Wednesday, December 6th, surrounded by his family.  John was born to Gerald and Velma (Smith) Drake and was the 11th of 14 siblings.  He grew up in Western, NE with a large family in a house full of love, chaos, and a lot of childhood sports.  Every day after someone in the neighborhood shouted EEE-YAH-KEE, he could be found in the park with his siblings and his friends playing ball, riding bikes, roller-skating, and ice staking.   His competitive spirit made him want to win at any cost.  When not at the park, he could be found in the Drake yard, filled with kids playing football, running bases on the home baseball field, playing dodgeball, swinging on the sack swing, or ending the day with a battle of the dirt bombs.

John started school at Western Public and graduated from Tri County High School in 1973, where he was a “star athlete”.  He also played legion baseball for Meridian each summer and softball as an adult in Plymouth.  Later in life, he loved nothing more than to reminisce about those experiences with teammates and friends.

While attending Tri County High School, he met his high school sweetheart, Lorie Bessler.   They were married for 45 and later divorced in 2020.

John left behind four children, Jeremy, Heidi, Jennifer, and Beth.

John joined IES (formally Kayton Electric) where he was as Lineman.  He worked for IES for 37 years until his death, where he was Superintendent of the Line Division.  He received multiple awards for his work.  As part of his work, he traveled extensively and knew where every Dairy Queen was located in Nebraska and sounding states.  He was a human GPS.

John was an avid sports fan and outdoorsman.  From pulling crankbaits for walleye, to pulling back a bow for deer, to bird hunting with favorite dogs Slick and Higgins, he loved the outdoors.  Most of all, he loved sports of all kinds and was everyone’s biggest fan. He was most proud when watching his grandchildren participate in many sporting events and wasn’t shy to brag about their accomplishment while coaching from the bleachers.  He was a true fan of all Nebraska sports where he memorized every game, including every play for the past few decades even if he couldn’t understand the ridiculous plays being called. He loved his hometown of Western.   His home/South Stadium was full of food and friends every Saturday rooting on the Huskers.   He was proud of his yard and could often be found mowing and watering around the clock.

He had a deep love for his family – his children, his siblings, and most of all, his grandchildren. John will always be remembered for his quick wit, smile, and contagious laugh.

Fish on                                                                                                                                                                                                                            One more, I gotta go                                                                                                                                                                                                Okay bye…

Survived by – Children: Jeremy & Tyler of San Antonio TX, Heidi & Alan of Western, Jennifer & Arron of Tobias, and Beth & Mark of Cylde KS. Grandchildren: Houston, Cooper, Berkeley, and Decker.  Brothers, Sisters, and in laws: Mary Drake, George Roesler, Catherine Moran, Carolyn & Bob Neihouse, Barb Drake, Kathy & James Brueggemann, Bruce Drake, Rhonda & Daryl Drewes, Brad Drake, Barb & Bob Vnoucek, Denise & Frank Myers.

Preceded in death by – Parents: Gerald & Velma Drake.  Brothers: Allen, James & Doug Drake. Sisters: Janice Breemes & Joann Roesler. Sister-in-Law: Cindy Drake. Son-in-law: Jeff Parker.

Visitation Monday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury.   Graveside service Plainview Cemetery in Western Tuesday 11:00 am followed by celebration of life at the Western Fire Hall. Memorials in care of the family.