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Obituary for Rodney "Rod" O. Draheim
Rodney "Rod" O. Draheim July 13, 1930 - Nov. 11, 2010 Rodney "Rod" O. Draheim died as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Brookings on November 11, 2010. He was 80. Rod was born July 13, 1930 in Marion, ND to Orlando and Cleo Draheim. He spent his childhood there. Following high school in 1948, Rod moved to Arcata, CA where he began work in a lumber mill and a truck stop. In the early 1950's he and a partner opened a service station in Eureka, CA. He returned to North Dakota and married his high school sweetheart Darlene “Babe” Johnson in LaMoure, ND on May 18, 1951 and brought her back to Eureka CA. Rod was drafted into the US Army in November of 1951 and served honorably in Korea until being discharged in 1953. Following Rod's military service, he returned to Eureka where he opened another service station. In 1960, he sold the service station and the family moved to Jefferson where they owned a 97 acre farm raising berries, corn and cattle. In 1964, they moved to Medford where Rod opened and operated a Chevron station on Stewart Ave. While living in Medford the family became very involved in riding dirt bikes. In September of 1975, Rod and Babe moved to Brookings with their daughter Debbie, where Rod partnered with Charles Keith building and remodeling homes. Rod became partners with his son Lonny in 1984 in the same industry. Rod was a master wood worker and craftsman - he could build and repair anything and often would at a moment's notice if his family or friends had a need. His family often called him the “McGuyver” of Brookings. Rod took up softball at the age of 50, playing with teammates half his age, and was instrumental in developing softball fields and organizing tournaments. He was one of the most charismatic players in the league. Rod and Babe then learned to golf and spent most every day at the course. He and Babe loved to travel and did so extensively with their RV and cherished RV friends. From dancing to grocery shopping, the couple remained inseparable through almost 60 years of marriage. He was a loving, caring, sharing provider for his family and the community and will be missed. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, “Babe” Darlene of Brookings, son, Ronny Draheim, his wife Cindy of Brookings, daughter, Debby Blofsky, her husband Shane of Brookings, daughter-in-law, Suzette Draheim of Brookings, grandchildren, Matt Draheim (Angie), Jill Jensen (David), Julie Powers (Matt), Cory Blofsky, Brooke Blofsky, her fiancé Chris Edwards, great grandchildren, Kaylie, Isabel, Cole, Madison, Trent, Alayna and Dustin, brother, Wayne Draheim, sister in-law Sharla of Medford, OR, sisters, Blanche Ridgeway of Portland, OR ., Bea Melanson, her husband, Don of Eureka, CA. Rod was preceded in death by his son, Lonny Draheim in 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rod Draheim Memorial Fund at any Chetco Federal Credit Union Branch or by mail to CFCU, PO Box 3000J, Harbor, OR 97415. These funds will go towards the Brookings Harbor High School Golf team. A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1200 Easy Street, Brookings, Oregon at 1:00 p.m. on November 20, 2010.
