Theodore Draftz

Theodore “Teddy” Draftz, age 13, was born to Heavenly perfection after struggling through a lifetime of trials and enduring a landscape of pain of which Angels would fear to tread. Born with a rare metabolic disorder, Lesch-Nyhan Disease, Teddy possessed an indefatigable spirit and a soul that shone through the darkest valley. He passed away suddenly Thursday, December 5, 2019 and is free from his wheelchair and the disabling chains he wore on Earth.
Teddy was born August 14, 2006 in Geneva, to proud parents, Dave and Ginny (Newhouse) Draftz.
From birth, Teddy persevered as he and his parents found their way in a brand new world. The hallmarks Lesch-Nyhan are complete lack of both gross and fine motor skills, high uric acid levels, and SIB or self injurious behavior.
Teddy attended Norton Creek Elementary where he talked sports with Principal White, delivered mail to almost every classroom and fell in love with his teacher, Mrs. Gutesha. He sprouted his wings learning he was capable of so much. His therapists pushed him with a smile on his face or with a good dose of bribery thanks to Peeps or watching sports on an ipad! It was there he met his special friend Ashley who would help him in the summers taking him on long walks and to the ballpark to play with his brother Ben. He then moved on to Wredling Middle School where he proudly adopted the Redwing spirit. He loved his time there with his teachers and friends. Teddy still worked his way through his education through the eighth grade but it was the education he gave others that made all the difference.
Teddy may have been unable to speak as freely as others, but his eyes communicated volumes, painting a picture with only a few expressions. His one-of-a-kind smile when thinking of mischief (or a pretty girl) never failed to bring a smile to your face, and the deep love and devotion he had for his family, never failed to bring a happy tear. Teddy was a beacon of the kind of love Christ taught us to have. He learned about the Faith at home and through the loving volunteers at SPRED. He lived his faith by sharing Christ’s joy and volunteering as an usher. He possessed a steely determination and resolve to best the toughest challenges placed in his path. At the age of 2, Ted started hippotherapy, physical therapy on a horse. Riding lifted not only his physical body but his confidence and spirits as well. Ted loved watching sports of all kinds. If you were a fan of the Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks, you could easily find yourself lifelong friends. If you were a Packers fan, he would let you know exactly how he felt about that. Teddy wouldn’t let his disability keep him from being involved or having fun. He participated in Special Olympic Bowling and played baseball on a special team in Batavia. He enjoyed swimming, racing around the bases at Geneva High School, and driving the golf cart or John Deer tractor at his Oma and Opa’s. He loved to get out of the house whether to the grocery store, library or the mall. He enjoyed big boy toys like boats and airplanes, captaining his Opa’s boat, daring to ride the tube a few times, and flying about with Uncle Fred in the Bonanza. His most treasured outings were to Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. With much enthusiasm he would cheer on the Cubs and Bears dressed to the nines in just the right colors. To close special family gatherings, Ted would insist upon family walks that consisted of several laps around the cul-de-sac regardless of the weather. Ted enjoyed time at home with family too through watching his siblings play Nintendo Wii, dancing in the dark, wrestling with his dad and brother, playing Parcheesi with his mom and spinning in a circle in his chair. There was no challenge he wouldn’t accept and will long be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Dave and Ginny Draftz; three sisters: Mary, Anna and Kate; one brother Ben; maternal grandparents Jim and Mary Newhouse; aunts and uncles: Angelique and Aimee Draftz and Lisa (Fred) DeWitt, Peggy (Dave) Young; all his beloved cousins: Alex, Erin, Freddy, Ellie, Lauren, and Mattie and a community of friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Ronald and Germaine Draftz; and one cousin Timothy James Young.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, December 10th, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Crane Road Campus, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL 60175. The family requests that attire for the visitation be casual that shows support for your favorite team or borrow one of Ted’s, Bears, Cubs or Blackhawks. Additional visitation will be from 9-9:45 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, and will be followed by a mass to celebrate his faith at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Teddy’s name. Checks may be made to the “Theodore R. Draftz Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, December 10th, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Crane Road Campus, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL 60175. The family requests that attire for the visitation be casual that shows support for your favorite team or borrow one of Ted’s, Bears, Cubs or Blackhawks. Additional visitation will be from 9-9:45 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, and will be followed by a mass to celebrate his faith at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles, IL.

Prairie Cemetery