Deanna Marie Drobka (nee Niespodziany)

Deanna Marie Drobka (nee Niespodziany), age 84, of Manitowoc, currently of Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 4, 2022.   

She was born April 23, 1938 in Two Rivers, WI, daughter of the late Edwin and Elizabeth (Belonger) Niespodziany. Deanna was a 1956 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. On August 10, 1957 she married Robert Drobka at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2015. 

Deanna was employed as a dietary aide at Shady Lane Home, Manitowoc, from 1978–1990 and then from 1990–2008 as housekeeper at St Mary rectory.

Deanna was a life-long member of St. Mary—then later St. Francis of Assisi—Catholic Church, Manitowoc. She was a member of St. Mary Rosary Altar Society, St. Clare Society as well as the Funeral & Adult choirs at St. Mary. In recent years she was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club.

Deanna enjoyed gardening and took great pride in caring for her flowers. She was a meticulous housekeeper who loved to iron and could fold a fitted sheet like it just came from the store. Deanna also enjoyed watching the Packers and Brewers and discussing the games with her son-in-law, Bruce. Over the course of her life, she became very attached to dogs. She thoroughly enjoyed the time she and Bob spent taking care of the late Fr. Roman Zbieranski’s precious dog, Taffy.  

Survivors include two sons: Jim (Danny Brauer) Drobka of Los Angeles, CA, Jerry (Pam) Drobka of Naperville, IL, one daughter: Mary (Bruce) Peterson, Waukesha; two brothers: Tom Niespodziany (Special Friend Robin Wood), Manitowoc, and Paul (Donna Evans) Niespodziany, Coeur d’Alene, ID; one sister-in-law: Sandra Niespodziany, Manitowoc. She is further survived by two step-grandchildren: Bryce (Laura) Montgomery, and Craig Montgomery. One step-great granddaughter: Scarlet Montgomery, also survives. Nieces, including a very special great niece, LuElla Monroe, nephews and cousins also survive.  Deanna is also survived by many dear friends, including Agnes Scharenbroch, Jennie Becker, and her best friend since 1st grade, Maxine Kelley.  

Besides her parents and beloved husband Robert, she was also preceded in death by four brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Edwin and Bernice Drobka, Adolph Jr. (Buck) and Agnes Drobka, Allan and Sylvia Drobka, Florence and Robert Johnston; her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Adolph Sr. and Josephine (Kubiszewski) Drobka. She is further preceded in death by her furry companion, Taffy.   

The family would like to thank the many medical professionals that cared for Deanna over the past 9 months including Angel and staff at The Villa at Felician Village, Dr Koch and the entire 5th floor crew at Holy Family Hospital and especially Kaylin, Chad, and staff at Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center. Their quick action on January 21, 2022 enabled family and friends six more months of very special quality time with Deanna.  We will always remember the care you provided that day and throughout her entire stay. Special thanks also to Jeremy, Autumn, Greta, Joe, Joyce, and the entire staff of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice. We are grateful for the kindness and compassion you provided throughout Deanna’s final journey.

We take great comfort knowing Mom and Dad have been reunited and will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on August 10th together in Heaven. We felt Dad’s presence over the past few weeks and believe he guided Mom as she passed away on the same day and within 15 minutes of him. A true testament to their love.

Funeral services will be held on August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall, 1114 S. 21st Street, Manitowoc. Officiating the Mass of Christian Burial will be Fr. Jason Blahnik. Entombment to follow at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc. 

The family will greet relatives and friends at St Francis of Assisi on Marshall from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center or Sharon S. Richardson Hospice appreciated.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

Mom had a sweet tooth—please enjoy a Kit Kat or mint chocolate chip ice cream in her memory! 

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