Josephine Drakulich Zakula passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the age of 92 years old. Josie was born on October 2, 1922 in Pueblo, Colorado to Serbian immigrant parents, Vaso and Dragica Drakulich. She was the fifth of six children born to this marriage. The family moved to white Pine County when Josie was 3 years old. Her father passed away two years later. Her mother then married Eli Kantar and together they had three children.
Josie attended McGill Grade School and graduated from White Pine High School in 1940. She married Miche Zakula on November 15, 1941 They had four children; Dorothy, Michael, Linda and Steve. Although Josie was an “old Soul” and Miche was a “free spirit”, their marriage lasted until his death on April 19, 1997. Their children had the best of two worlds: discipline and freedom.
Josie was a hard worker and always had a job. During World War II, she worked on the “Bull Gang” or labor pool at Kennecott Copper and as a waitress at the old boarding house in McGill. Later she worked at various places as a bookkeeper and office worker. She ended her career as a postal worker at McGill Post Office.
After “retirement”, she was always busy with different work projects. Finally, when she turned 91, she said that she was tired and ready to retire competely, which she did.
During her life, Josie enjoyed music, baking, taking walks and traveling with her family. She was also personally a very spiritual woman. She traveled throughout the U.S., Europe and Middle East, but was always happy to return to her little house in McGill.
Josie is survived by her sons; Mike and Steve; her daughter, Linda, her grandson, Marko (Carly) Palczewski and their twin daughters, Jade and Kerris; granddaughter, Dory Palczewski; sister, Millie Goldman; brother, George “Duch” (Ann) Kantar; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Miche; daughter, Dorothy; sisters, Mary (Don) Carline, Ann (Nick) Bogdan, Helen (Ron) Platzke; brothers, Bob (Flora) Drakulich, Steve (Betty) Drakulich and Mike “Chub” (Theresa) Drakulich, nephew; Don and Tom Carline, Eric Platzke; brothers-in-law, Momir Zakula and Robert Goldman.
At her request there will be a private graveside service.
Do Videnja “Until we meet again”
Our Mom and Grandma
My sincere condolences to all of Josie’s children in Ely and McGill. May she rest in eternal peace.
My condolences to the Zakula and Drakulich families. Josie was a dear friend of mine and well be sorely missed. Rest In Peace Josephine.
To the Zakula family,
What most people don’t realize is the love and devotion that Sister Zakula had for America. She was a very spiritual giant but one of her great attributes was her political views. I loved to read the letters she wrote to the editor of the ” Ely Daily Times ” , now the Ely Times. She was never soft to the popular opinion of the day and she called it what it was. I understand her disappointment at the many politicians that slop their way into office and continue slopping away at the public trough. I know how she felt about the injustices and unconstitutional mannerisms of many officials I always held her in the highest respect and her articles were well written, accurate, and informative God Bless you Josie til we meet again.
Love Always n’ Ever Geph Polish
I have known the Zakual family for several years especially Josephine and Steve and Mike and enjoyed the association with them even though it was just a hello and a brief conversation. She was always in attendance of the funerals of McGill residents. May the Lord be a comfort to the family at this time.
Orval
My prayers her family. She was a wonderful woman and mother. Never seen her without a smile and she raised the absolute best family. Rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Josie s family.
My sincere condolences to Mike and Linda and Steve.
God be with you till you meet again.
07.27.15
My sincere sympathies to the Drakulich and Zakula families. What an extraordinary life Josephine led. Truly blessed!
As a grandson of Ana Zakula Paripovich also of Pueblo, I’m curious as to how I might have been related. If one of the family members could shed any light on this, I would be deeply appreciative!
Bog te blagoslovio
God Bless
Mike,
I remember you and your mother. I am sorry for your loss.
Linda