Joseph Daniel Drazenovich

Joseph (Joe) D. Drazenovich, 89, longtime resident of Hibbing passed away, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the Heritage Manor in Chisholm, MN.  Joe was born December 6, 1933 to Anthony and Helen (Shebly) Drazenovich in Nashwauk, MN.  After High School, Joe attended UMD and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.  Joe would enter the Sacrament of Marriage on June 1, 1957 to Gloria (Carol) Olson.  They were residents of Hibbing since 1974.  Prior to moving to Hibbing, Joe taught in Mora for 15 years.  Later, Joe worked with Gov. Rudy Perpich with the Upper Great Lakes Commission, Ironworld (Chisholm) and with the IRRRB Demolition Program Economic Development Department until his retirement.   Joe was a member of the DAV, American Legion Post 222, and the Knights of Columbus in Mora.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing as some of his favorite pastimes.

Joe is survived by the love of his life, Carol Drazenovich, and children, Shelly Tilock, Hibbing, Kathryn (Mathew) Sjoberg, Eveleth,, Joe A. Drazenovich, Hibbing, Sharon (Rick) Palm, Coon Rapids, and Ann (Paul) Koenig, Savage.  He is also survived by his brother, Thomas (Mary Claire) Drazenovich, Grand Rapids, sister-in-law, June Drazenovich, Maple Grove and grandchildren, Tiffany (Brian) Wenngatz, Matthew Drazenovich, Brian Drazenovich, Madelyn (Nate) Schummel, John Sjoberg, Joe Sjoberg, Jack Koenig, and Hunter Koenig, and three great-grandchildren, Lily, Lucy, and Owen Wenngatz, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Peter Drazenovich, brothers, George and John Drazenovich, parents, Anthony and Helen, son-in-law, John “Hi-Fi” Tilock, and sister-in-law, Gaile (John) Drazenovich.

Funeral services for Joe will be at 11:00 am, Monday, May 8, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be from 9:30 am, until the 11:00 am funeral Mass at the church on Monday.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.