William R. Drnek

William R. Drnek, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, in Concord, Ohio, at the age of 87. Born on October 28, 1937, in Willoughby, Ohio, William lived a life full of love, dedication, and quiet strength. He graduated from Kenston High School and furthered his education by attending Case Western Reserve University. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy. William embarked on a 30-year career as an IRS Agent for the U.S. Treasury, which he performed with integrity and dedication.

Above all, William's greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose love and pride in his family were evident in everything he did. He is survived by his loving children and their families. His daughter, Nancy Johnston, (Rob Johnston) are the parents of Chad Johnston (Taylor Johnston), and their three sons, Grayson, Garrett, and Levi Johnston; Jill Beasley (Matt Beasley), and their two children, Sophia and Lucas Beasley; and Grant Johnston. His son, Ken Drnek (Susie Pauch) is the parent of Hope Elber (Gregory Elber) and their two children, Louise and Isabel Elber, Holly Drnek (Ethan Lane), and Alyssa Drnek. His daughter, Tracy Burns (Blake Burns) are the parents of Blake Urquhart (Natalie Urquhart), and their two children, Jaylen and Nora Urquhart; Brooke, Donovan, Preston, Ashlyn, and Braden Burns. William also leaves behind a brother, Rudy Drnek and his wife Patty Drnek; sisters, Jean Zuzak and her husband Bob Zuzak and Joan Johnston her husband Gary Johnston and longtime friend, Judy DePasquale. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene in 2012, his parents, Rudy and Esther Drnek, and sister, Marian Davis and her husband Bill Davis.

Beyond his professional and family roles, William was an avid player of the card game Pinochle, and his favorite day of the week was Wednesday because he looked forward to gathering with friends at the Fairport Harbor Senior Citizen Center for card games. He enjoyed traveling-especially to casinos across the country-and had a deep passion for softball, which he played well into his 50s and coached for many years. One of his lifelong passions was fixing up and remodeling homes, a labor of love he shared with his children and a source of great pride and satisfaction. Watching his grandchildren play sports brought him immeasurable happiness; those moments on the field or at the court were often the highlight of his days. A die-hard Cleveland Indians fan, he rarely missed a game and remained a loyal supporter through every season. Moreover, his faith played an essential role in his life and he was a devoted member of Wickliffe Presbyterian Church.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate William's life on Friday, June 20, 2025. Calling hours will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio. Interment of ashes will take place afterward at Western Reserve Memorial Garden in Chesterland, where military honors will be rendered in recognition of his service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer's Association at donorservices.alz.org or to The American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org

William will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His legacy of love, family, and strength lives on in every life he touched.