Arthur Drexler Obituary

Arthur J. Drexler Jr., 80, a career military officer, brother, husband, father, and grandfather went to be with God on July 9, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born November 9, 1941; one of five sons and two daughters to Arthur J. and Clara J. (Pluskota) Drexler. He was brave and courageous in battles for his country and fought with the same bravery and courage during the last months of his life.
From early childhood, Art knew he wanted a military career in the U.S. Army, particularly in the infantry division. God, family, and country were the three important units that sustained him throughout his life.
He graduated from Cathedral Prep and Gannon College, where he excelled in physics and mathematics, earning his bachelor's degree in the disciplines. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind, gifted as a mathematician, and years later as an intelligence officer. He received his master's degree in international relations from University of Southern California.
He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at graduation from Gannon College in 1963. He married Charmaine Daly on Aug. 24 of that year before embarking on his first tour of duty. He served honorably in the Army for 30 years, retiring in 1993 as a Lt. Colonel, after which he and his wife returned to Erie.
Art leaves behind Charmaine his wife of 58 years. His children are his greatest legacy and source of pride- Maryclaire E. (Richard) Barnett of Rittman, Ohio; Anne L. Grothusen (Joseph) of Iowa City, Iowa; Kirstin M. Drexler-Brewer (Christopher) of Tampa, Florida, and Arthur J. Drexler III of Blue Grass, Iowa. He enjoyed the gift of being a grandfather to Nick and Chrissy Barnett, Katie Drexler, and Max Grothusen and took pride and joy in their individualism, independent spirit, and academic achievements.
Art was always impressed by the accomplishments of his many siblings- Lucille A. Drexler (Gerald Erdely), the late Reverend Charles H. Drexler of the Erie Catholic Diocese, Sister Mary C. Drexler, SSJ, both of Erie; Thomas R. (Sarah Murphy) of Baltimore Maryland, Michael W. (Susan Gerg) Drexler of Linesville, Pennsylvania, Attorney Stephen P. (Anne Jane Dregalla) of Pittsburgh. He also had a sister-in-law Mary Daly of Erie, Pennsylvania. He is proceeded in death by his parents and younger brother Reverend Charles H. Drexler.
Friends may call on Wednesday, July 13 at Sacred Heart Church from 9:30am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30am, celebrated by Rev. Jerome Simmons. The Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers a donation to cancer research in Art's name would be greatly appreciated by the family.