Ophthalmologist saved sight for hundreds in area

6/25/2005

Dr. Jerry W. Draheim, an ophthalmologist who restored sight to hundreds of area residents and was the former head of ophthalmology at Toledo Hospital, died Wednesday at Kingston Residence in Sylvania. He was 77.

He had been ill for many years with Parkinson's disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma, his brother, John L. Draheim, Jr., said.

"He always took great satisfaction from the fact that many people in Toledo were running around, able to see, because of his skill as an ophthalmic surgeon," his brother said.

Surviving are his daughters, Debi Kahn, Cindy Dickey, Tenley Draheim, Carol Walker, and Beverly Schumaker; brothers, John L. Draheim, Jr., and Richard N. Draheim; 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Hope Lutheran Church.

The Walker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

The family suggests tributes to the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio or to a charity of the donor's choice.