Earl William Drilling Jr.

earl drilling

Earl William Drilling age 83 of Waucoma died Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture service. Visitation will continue one prior to mass.

Earl William Drilling, Jr., age 83 of Waucoma, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on September 23, 2024. He was born on July 25, 1941 to Earl and Velma (Jarosh) Drilling on their family farm near St Lucas, the fourth of six children in a close-knit family. A spirited redhead, Earl graduated from St. Luke’s School in 1959. He was known and loved in his community. Most folks called him Junior.

His high school sweetheart Kathleen called him Earl. They married in September 1960, and raised their four children, Debbie, Dina, Dave, and Darla, with a combination of hard work and good humor. By 1963, Junior and Kathleen had purchased the farm they would call home. Junior loved the land, and was always a dedicated steward, teaching his children and grandchildren through his passion for the natural world. His grandchildren know that the good dirt is black. He loved his livestock, and was always happiest when he had plenty of animals to care for.

“Grampa” ate dessert before a meal to set a good example when his grandchildren were around. He showed them how to dig for worms in the dirt behind the silo. He drew smiley faces on their toes, which tickled so much they kicked and screamed. He was always sneaking them treats, twizzlers, hot tamales, and tootsie rolls from the rolltop. A first fudgesicle at nine months?! He was full of mischief, and could always be counted on to listen to their stories. Gramps made them feel they were his greatest treasures.

After he and Kathleen had moved to town, Junior kept farming with Dave and his son Isaiah. He played cards, bantering with friends down at the corner, his sharp wit and ready laugh always appreciated. Earl was a truthful and mischievous, hard-working, wise, and generous man, who truly lived a good life.

Kathleen passed away in 2022, after holding their new great-grandson, with their first great-granddaughter on her way. Grampa had to enjoy for two. The newest crop of them, four in total, were in his arms till the end.

He is survived by his son, Dave (Rhonda) Drilling of Waucoma and three daughters, Debra Drilling (Steve Winter) of Hawkeye, Dina Gross of Portland, Oregon, and Darla (Dave) Goerend of St. Lucas; along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (so far).

His brother Jack (Sue) Drilling of Decorah and two sisters, Darlyn Schmitt of Waucoma and Susy Pederson of Las Vegas, Nevada survive him, as well as sister-in-law Audrey Drilling of Decorah. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Daryl Drilling and Loras (Joyce) Drilling, his brother-in-law Luke Schmitt, and by his wife, on January 30, 2022, our dear mother and grandmother, Kathleen Drilling.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma have been entrusted with Earl’s arrangements.

641-394-4334.

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  1. Junior will always be near and dear to my heart! Always happy go lucky with a lending ear and a great sense of humor. A laugh I’ll never forget. I miss his stories fun loving stories from being a kid to being old enough to know better. His kindness and big heart will stay with me my entire lifetime. Waucoma has lost a mighty man and he will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace my friend! My deepest sympathy goes out to his beautiful family and precious grandchildren. He was so proud of you all! God bless each and everyone of you during these difficult days ahead 🙏🫂😓

  2. I\’m very sorry to hear about Jr\’s passing. I looked forward to him stopping into Riverside for his funny stories and contagious laugh. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He will be missed by many.

  3. So very sorry to hear about Junior’s passing. He was such a great guy always wearing a big smile and had a heart of gold. I enjoyed our morning chats when he came to pick up his mail at the post office. Heaven gained a great one! My deepest sympathy to all of his family. He definitely will be missed. ❤️🙏

  4. Drilling family:
    Our condolences to you all in your time of loss and sorrow. We have you in prayers that God will hold you and comfort you.

  5. It is hard to believe JR is gone – he was the most indestructible person I ever knew. He was well-read, well-rounded and had a heart of gold. I would imagine his heavenly colleagues have already succumbed to his contagious laughter. Rest in Peace EWD.

  6. Great Friend of my father and of my family, Dad always seemed to have a funny story about Junior when coming home from town. A real pillar of the whole community! He ll be missed my many.

    Blessings
    Dave Lusson


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