Robert W. Draeger, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI.
He was born July 11, 1940 in La Crosse, WI; son of Robert H. Draeger and Miriam M. (Pertzsch) Draeger-Jensen. Robert entered the U.S. Army on June 28, 1963 and was honorably discharged on June 21, 1966. On June 23, 1973, he married Donna M. Schilling at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca. Both he and his wife owned and operated the Dairy Queen in Waupaca for almost 25 years. Robert was a member of the Waupaca Lion’s Club and a member of Shepherd of the Lakes Church in Waupaca. He enjoyed archery, deer hunting, drawing, wood carving, and volunteering his time for Meals on Wheels. Robert will be dearly missed by all of his loving family and friends.
Robert is survived by his wife, Donna Draeger of Waupaca, WI; two children, Diane (Christopher) Thompson of Rosholt, WI and David (fiancée, Michelle Taylor) Draeger of Longwood, FL; one grandson, Alexander Thompson of Rosholt, WI; two sisters-in-law, Judy Draeger of Watertown, WI and Karyl Draeger of McComb, IL; two nephews, Barry Jay (Terri) Draeger of Parker, CO and Todd (Cristina Werling) Draeger of Edina, MN; and a niece, Kimberly (Mark) Jensen of Murphy, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Draeger; his mother, Miriam Draeger-Jensen; and two brothers, Barry Draeger and James Draeger.
A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shepherd of the Lakes Church, 153 County Road QQ, Waupaca, WI. Reverend Dean Wheeler will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Robert W. Draeger. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.