January 21, 1965 – June 26, 2025
Carl G. Dralla, 60 of Northwood, IA passed away suddenly Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Services to honor his life will be 11:00am Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 309 9th St N, Northwood, IA with Rev. Becky Sogge officiating. He will be laid to rest, led by The Pony Express, at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.
Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Monday, July 7, 2025 at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.
Carl George Dralla was born January 21, 1965, in Mason City, the son of Lloyd John Sr. and Virginia Mae (Briggs) Dralla. He grew up north of Northwood alongside his eight siblings and graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School. His class was close-knit—many of whom remained lifelong friends. From a young age, Carl was no stranger to hard work, lending a hand to local farmers and later working at Winnebago and Viafield. But the pull of the land always brought him back to what he knew best—working on the farm. Most recently for the Brunsvolds and Trenhaile Farms.
Carl never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and a natural ease that drew people in, whether he was at home or halfway across the country. His family still laughs about the time he found someone he knew in Hawaii. He was a familiar face at races and tractor pulls and could usually be found in jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with the cuffs rolled just so, a hat, and a pair of red-handled pliers tucked in his pocket. He gave generously of his time and energy, especially through his work with Pony Express. For over 15 years, he helped lead their mission to support Easterseals and loved the annual ride to Sunny Side Camp—two days on horseback to deliver a herd of horses to the kids. Carl had a deep bond with his horse, Rocket, and an even deeper connection to the friends he rode with. He wasn’t happy unless he was helping someone. Whether turning a wrench, fixing something broken, or simply showing up, Carl was the one people could count on. He had a bold spirit, a huge heart, and a way of caring that ran deep.
Survived by his son, Adam Dralla of Northwood; grandson, Nate Dralla; siblings, Janice Hall, of Mason City, Christina Shephard, of Mason City, Curtis (Terri) Dralla, of Nebraska, and Ginger (Travis) Holtz of Polk City; his brother-in-law, Danny Buckman; his Pony Express Family; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Sr. and Virginia; a son, Jacob Dralla; siblings, Marian (Perry) Montgomery, Corie (Richard) Rieman, Lloyd Dralla Jr., and Connie Buckman; brothers-in-law, Robert Hall and Howard Shephard; as well as many friends along the way.
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