Obituary of Vladimir Drkulec

Dr. Vladimir Drkulec
March 29, 1930- June 6, 2023

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Dr. Vladimir Drkulec, age 93, on June 6, 2023, at Windsor Regional Hospital, surrounded by family. Born in Badljevina, Croatia, he was the 5th of 10 children born to Marko and Rozalja (Kufrin) Drkulec. 

He was predeceased by his siblings Josip, Anka, Vladimir (I), Danica, Zvonimir(I), Blazinka, Zvonimir (II), Nada, Dragutin and brother-in-laws Frank Petrlich (Jenny) and Steve Petrlich (Ankica).

At the age of twenty-seven Vladimir left behind family and his medical training, to escape communism and to re-unite with his future wife, Marija Petrlic(h), in Windsor.  Once in Canada, they married in 1957 and enjoyed 65 years of blessed union. Dr. Drkulec resumed his studies at the University of Western Ontario Medical School in London, Ontario, graduating in 1960. He and his loving wife went on to raise six children. He provided Family Medicine care and delivered over one thousand babies during his 33-year career in Windsor.  Outside of his work he was very active within the Croatian community, including his support of the Windsor Croatia Soccer Club. Dr. Drkulec was a devout born again Christian and dedicated his life to his family and to the Lord. He was a truly selfless and generous husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and family doctor. His kindness to everyone he met, and his wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Dr. Drkulec will be missed by Marija, and their children: Vladimir Jr, Mark (AnneMarie Gignac), Drago, Frank (Rita Colucci), Mary (Andrew Rowe) and John (Sandi Voinaroski), 15 cherished grandchildren: Nathalia, Jordyn (Colton Knutson), Caitlyn (Michael Hosanee), Neena, Monica, Christian, Tanner, Aidan, Hannah, Connor, Nicholas, Nikko, Ryan, Matthew, and Riley and 6 much loved great grandchildren: Bradley, Quentin, Kylie, Eden, Sophia and Kingsley, as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada, Croatia, and the United States.

The family would like to sincerely thank Drs Bertram, Goel, Pierce, Toth, Al-Farra, Springer and the E.R. team at Windsor Regional Hospital who cared for him.

The family are also very appreciative of all the love and support that he received from his many patients over the years. 

In Vladimir’s wishes, a private ceremony was held on June 9, 2023. Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel - Banwell Chapel.