Investigators with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County are working to trace the source of the outbreak.
Draffen retired in 2010 as superintendent of Trotwood-Madison City Schools, and had previously been superintendent at Valley View and Mad River Schools.
Draffen developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication of E. coli infection that can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. The two who remain hospitalized have also developed the complication.
Draffen and his wife had attended the annual picnic “several times,” said his daughter, Jennifer Lyons.
He is survived by his wife, Juliette; a son, Todd Draffen, and daughter-in-law, Amy, of Fort Myers, Fla; daughter Jennifer Lyons, and son-in-law, Keith, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and five grandchildren.
Services are Friday at Dalton Funeral Home, 6900 Weaver Road in Germantown, with visitation from noon to 2:30, and funeral service at 3 p.m.
The Draffen family’s released this statement Wednesday morning:
“The family of Dr. Lowell Draffen would like to express our appreciation to the entire community for the prayers and concern that has been shown during his recent illness and passing.
“In particular, we would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the Sycamore and Kettering hospital staff members. Their dedication and concern exceeded our expectations.
“We would also like to encourage everyone to consider becoming a blood or plasma donor in lieu of any memorials as this was critical to Dr. Draffen’s care.
“The family would like to state that we consider the Neff family and business a great asset to our community. Dr. Draffen’s passing has been a tragic accident for which no one can be blamed.”
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