"Sincere condolences to Barbara and Family. We have lost a wonderful neighbor and friend and are grateful to God for placing this holy, calming and strong man in our lives. He will be missed. We regret we could not join you in-person today; but thankful we could on-line for his beautiful Mass. God rest his soul. Love and Prayers Always."
In loving memory of
Joseph Paul Drader
November 29, 1949 - January 5, 2022
Joseph Paul Drader, Son, Husband, Engineer, Soccer Coach, Good Man
Born November 29, 1949, Parents: Joseph Pershing Drader and Bridget Angelique Meraw, in Detroit Michigan.
Died January 5, 2022.
Married to Barbara Ann (Ameloot) Drader on April 29, 1972 at St. Lawrence Parish in Utica, MI.
Earned Bachelor and Master Degree in Engineering from Oakland University
Worked for Detroit Edison/DTE Energy for 30 years as a Control Systems Engineer. Water treatment specialist.
Siblings: Patrick Drader (Sandy), Mary Anne Mitchell (Steve), Karen DeFour (David)
Children: Joseph Raymond Drader, wife Marie, Steven John Drader, wife Gina, Adam, Benjamin Drader, fiancée Jodi, Alexander James Drader, Kristen
Grandchildren: William Drader, Eleanor Drader and Ethan Diaz, Nolan and Cameron McEveney
My son said "many of my fondest memories of dad were as my soccer coach. Even 25 years after he coached my last soccer team, I still have people from old teams (even people I had never met) come up to me to tell me how much they loved him as a coach and person.
He left a lasting impact on so many people he coached. I've had coworkers randomly stop meetings when they realized "you're related to coach Drader?" And ran into teammates that I hadn't seen since childhood who stopped me on the street to tell me how much he meant to them."
Joe was strong, dedicated, loving and loyal. So many wonderful traits, wonderful man. A devoted Catholic, devoted father, and devoted husband. Dedicated Soccer Coach, Soccer Referee, and Soccer Fan.
17 years ago Joe developed a disease called Amyloidosis... despite dire predictions of death in a few years he just kept going.. and going... failing heart, ruined kidneys... just persevered each day. We will miss him every day. He is at peace now in the loving arms of Jesus.
Visitation for Joseph will be Monday, January 10, 2022 from 2-8 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe. Funeral Mass Tuesday, January 11, 2022, instate 11:30 until time of mass, 12pm, at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 467 Fairford Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods. To watch Josephs live streamed services please visit, OLSOS.org/posts/funeral-Mass.
Tributes
"On behalf of Joe's friends in the Engineering Support Organization at DTE Energy, we express our deepest condolences to the Drader family. Joe was our friend as well as our coworker, and it was a pleasure to know and work with him. We will always remember his quiet kindness and technical expertise. Rest in Peace Joe. - Your friends in ESO"
"sincere sympathy to Barb and family your Canadian first cousins Ron and Ann Callaghan"
"Joe, you will be missed. As Classmate thru the years , Our card party's with the Guys will not be forgotten . You were a Gem..RIP Joe ! God Bless!"
"It was our privilege to work with Joe at DTE Energy. He will be missed! May he rest in peace."
"Joe and Barb have been very dear friends since our children where at Holy Innocent and he coached my boys. He was such a kind caring devote 100% to whatever he did. He never gave up and at the end GOD knew he had to rest. You will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to call you friend, coach and mentor. Rest in Peace dear friend, wrapped forever in GOD's arms."
"Joe was a wonderful man to know. He had such a relaxed way about him. He coached our boys in soccer and did a fabulous job. He will be missed by many. Ralph and I send our love and prayers to the Drader family during this most difficult time. May his soul now Rest In Peace."
"Condolences to the entire Drader family. I work with Joe (jr) at GHD in Canada and am also a friend to his wife Marie. Joe and I have talked multiple times over the years about his loving dad and it sadden him to be away and not closer to home. He loved the meet-ups and the family gatherings where he could talk with his dad! I am confident the memories of a life lived greatly and shared memories passed along to his son William, will keep Joseph's (Sr) memories alive for ever. Deepest sympathy. Bev and Cesar Ricardo"
"First and best coach I ever had. Will never forget him. I hope to be as fun, motivating, and kind to my own son as he was to me when I played sports at Star. Total legend. Rest In Peace. ??????"
""To live in hearts we leave behind...is not to die.""