Walter Eugene "Walt" Drach's Obituary
Walter Eugene “Walt” Drach, 89, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Born July 12, 1936, in Star City, Indiana, Walter grew up in Winamac, married Catherine Widman in 1958 then later lived with his family in Rochester, Indiana. In January 1970, he and his wife moved with their three children to Stanwood, Michigan, where he built a lasting home and community.
Walter graduated from high school in 1954 and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, he worked as a journeyman lineman for a rural Indiana electrical company before advancing to roles in job training and electrical safety for the states of Indiana and Michigan. He later joined Wolverine Worldwide Manufacturing in Rockford, Michigan, from which he retired. Walter was also a proud member of the American Legion.
A man of warmth, humor, and dedication, Walter was known for his personable nature, strong work ethic, and fun-loving spirit. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Farming was a lifelong passion—he grew up on his parents’ farm and continued farming throughout his life, raising a successful Hereford herd with his son Wally.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Catherine (Widman); daughters Dianna (Drach) Brown of Grant, MI, and Laurie (Drach) Busby of Lansing, MI; son Walter C. Drach III (Janice) of Morley, MI; and sister Mary (Drach) Wagner of Fort Wayne, IN. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Brian (Chandra) Drach of Louisville, KY; Nori Drach of Nashville, TN; Gerald Busby II of East Lansing, MI; Jacey Busby of Lansing, MI; Taryn (Drach) Daimler (Levi) of Coral, MI; Addie Drach (David Vellum) of Cleveland, OH; and Jordyn Busby of Lansing, MI. His great-grandchildren include Aiden Busby, Harrason, Oakley, and Rhodes Daimler. Walter also had many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Drach, sister, Jean Ann (Drach) Button, sons-in-law: Allen Brown and Gerald Busby.
Services for Walter will be held at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview, MI. Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Corwell Health Hospice.
Walter will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and devotion to family, as well as his lifelong love of farming and community.
Friends and family are invited to gather at the American Legion Post 554 at 2560 Northland Dr., Morley, MI for a time of sharing memories and a light luncheon immediately following the service.
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