Draley, Daniel E. 1949-2012

DRALEY, FRANKS, EPPINGA, BROWN, MCFALL, DAVIS

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 3/13/2012 at 10:27:59

Daniel E. Draley, 62, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Tuesday evening, February 14, 2012, following a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. He died at home surrounded by his loving family and dear friends.

Daniel Edward Draley was born May 8, 1949, in New York, New York, the son of Dr. Joseph and Mary Wilma (Franks) Draley. Daniel grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois. He attended Notre Dame Grade School in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, where at age six, he met the love of his life, Janet Eppinga. Dan graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1967. Upon graduation, he spent a year of study at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. On March 21, 1970, Daniel was united in marriage to Janet. Together, they moved to rural DeWitt, where they raised their three daughters, Dena, Heidi and Sarah.

Daniel was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on February 17, 1974. He was a member of the DeWitt Congregation until his death. He loved Jehovah. He was known for his enthusiasm and zeal in sharing the Bible's message of the Kingdom, which will make the earth a paradise. Dan shared his hopes and beliefs with many people whom he met.

Daniel developed a passion for music very early in life. He became an accomplished pianist and musician, producing and recording his original compositions on his own record label, Calm Climate Records. However, his main field of expertise became the identification and sales of rare stringed instruments. His business, Daniel Draley Fine Violins and Cremona Research, was established in downtown Dewitt in 1975. Daniel's proudest professional accomplishment was publishing and translating the book, "A Genealogy of the Amati Family of Violin Makers 1500-1740". The book features his personal photographs of some of the world's most rare and important stringed instruments.

Dan enjoyed taking people morel mushroom hunting each spring. He loved feeding blue birds, playing guitar and stargazing. Most of all Daniel greatly loved spending quality time with his family and friends.

Daniel leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 42 years, Janet; their children, Dena Brown and her husband, Kendall and their children, Colin and Elly Kate of Bettendorf, Iowa, Heidi Draley-McFall of DeWitt, and Sarah Davis and her husband, Barry; a sister, Marcia Draley of El Cajon, California.

Preceding Daniel in death were his parents.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2012. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2012 in the Funeral Home. Monty Arringdale will officiate.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com