Iola Joyce Drabek was born June 3, 1933, in Kadoka South Dakota, the daughter of John and Velma (Parke) Drabek. She grew up on the family farm, north of Belvidere, attending school in Kadoka and graduating in 1951. She then went on to nursing school at Mitchell, SD where she earned her RN degree.

On April 17, 1954, she married Norman D. Kezar of Belvidere. They made their home in the Belvidere area and raised seven children. In 1975 they moved to New Underwood and lived there until retirement.

Iola moved to Custer and worked at the South Dakota State Hospital as an RN. Since her retirement she has been active in church and traveling to see family.

Survivors include her children Michael Kezar of Devine, Texas, Steve Kezar and his wife Teri of Torrington, Wyoming; Terry Kezar and his wife Debra of Arthur, Nebraska, David Kezar and his wife Ruth of Toppenish, Washington, Todd Kezar of Colfax, Washington, Linda Hoving of Douglas, Wyoming, and Mark Kezar and his wife Heidi of Bartlett, Tennessee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers Richard Drabek and his wife Joyce of Belle Fourche and Robert Drabek and his wife Bev of Rapid City; three sisters Irene Hansen and her husband Phil of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Margaret Thomas of Colorado Springs, and Marilyn Mechaley and her husband Joe of Spearfish; her special friend Lyle Allen; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Iola was preceded in death by her parents John and Velma (Parke) Drabek.

Funeral services were held 10:00 am Thursday, June 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.

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