Gerald R. "Jerry" Drauden

Gerald R. “Jerry” Drauden

Age 67 of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 6, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

Born April 15, 1955 in Joliet, Jerry was a son of Donald and Margaret (Née Shroba) Drauden, Sr. He was a 1973 graduate of Joliet Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Education from Lewis University in 1984.

On June 13, 1981, he married his best friend; Corinne A. “Cori” Peterson in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Throughout his professional career, Jerry worked in the banking industry.

He served as a Banker with Chase Bank for over 20 years, and in recent years at the Crest Hill branch. Jerry was always available to the countless customers who walked through the doors at Chase.

Jerry began drum lessons shortly after grade school and continued as a drummer performing for wedding receptions and numerous venues with bands which included “Main Event”, “Musically Yours”, “Upside” and most recently “Belltones”.

He also taught drum lessons to many students at George K’s Music Store.

Jerry was an avid reader and enjoyed anything connected to music.

He will be truly missed for his humor, wit and the unconditional love he had for his family.  

Survivors include his wife of 41 years; Cori Drauden, children; Megan (Aaron) Veerman and Robert Drauden, grandchildren; Jaxon, Levi and Kayden Veerman, brother; Donald (Margarita) Drauden, Jr., brother-in-law; Jeffry Peterson, nieces; Breanna Drauden, Jenna (Jeffrey Parker) Stworzyjanek, and Nikki Stworzyjanek, great nephew; Wade Stworzyjanek and numerous friends; too many to mention.

 Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; Donald and Margaret Drauden, Sr., mother and father-in-law; Janice and Tony Montes, and longtime friends; Rob and Johanna Stworzyjanek.

Jerry’s legacy continues as he supported organ donation through the Gift of Hope Program.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Jerry’s life at 6:30 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jerry’s memory to: Lewis University - Department of Music, 1 University Parkway, Unit 292 Romeoville, IL 60446. Please include “In Memory of Jerry Drauden” in the memo field or click onto: https://www.alumni.lewisu.edu/SteinwayGive.

Per Jerry’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.