Arthur E. Drdla

Arthur E. Drdla, 84, a longtime resident of Ingleside, passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Deerfield Crossing, Northbrook. 

Arthur was born March 8, 1937, in Chicago, to the late Robert and Dorotha (nee Buroker) Drdla.  As a child, he moved with his family to Ingleside, graduated from Grant Community High School in1955, and attended the University of Illinois for one year.  He went on to serve in the Army from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1962.

Arthur was a machinist by trade, who had a long, successful career as a tool and die maker.  He could fashion anything from metal and, if he couldn’t find or have a tool, he would make himself one.  Nothing was ever thrown out, as he could always repurpose an item into something useful.

He loved street rods, motorcycle, and boats—any vehicle that could go fast—and enjoyed building and working on their engines.  His other hobbies included: traveling, woodworking, being a wizard welder, playing his C.F. Martin guitar, tinkering in his garage, and being a great “Jack-of-all-trades.”

Most of all, Arthur was an excellent and patient teacher who not only helped his family and friends fix or solve problems, but also demonstrated and taught welding at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) annual gathering in Oshkosh.  He was generous with his time and loved to share his knowledge.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Rita Drdla (nee Wachowski); sons, David (Sherri) Drdla of Spring Grove and Michael Drdla of Las Vegas; grandsons, Michael and Ryan Drdla; brother, Theodore “Ted” (Lenore) Drdla of College Station, TX; brother-in-law (and best friend) and sister-in-law, Bill and Elaine Axelsen; nephews and nieces, Daniel Drdla, Christina Carvin, Donna Schoepp, Robert Buroker, Linda Buroker, Bonnie Hawkins, Carolyn (Brad) Button and William (Jennifer) Axelsen; and many wonderful friends.

In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Margaret) Buroker.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 4, from 3 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals & Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  The Reverend Lisle Kauffman will officiate.

Please, no flowers.  Memorials to the Fox Lake-Grant Township Historical Society, PO Box 224, Ingleside, IL 60041, or to the charity of one’s choice, appreciated.

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