Verla Draeger Obituary (1924 - 2010)

Verla H. Draeger Verla Helen Draeger, 85, of Menomonie, passed away Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Dunn County Health Care Center with her family at her side. Verla was born on October 17, 1924 in the township of Sherman, Dunn County to Ed and Esther (Hintzman) Kuester. She was baptized and confirmed at Peach Lutheran Church, Menomonie. Verla married Leo Draeger on December 12, 1942 in Stillwater, Minnesota. They farmed in the town of Sherman until retirement. Verla was dedicated to her family and loved caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed being a part of their lives even when she wasn't able to attend their activities. She will be sadly missed by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Darlene Frank and son Jerome "Butch" (Pat) Draeger, both of Menomonie; her eight grandchildren, Tim (Cora) Frank, Tracy (Tim) Skillings, Teri (Kevin) Smeltzer, Michele (Dean) Harvey, Brian (Angie) Draeger, Christy (Tom) Schleusner, Dennis Draeger, and Jim (Beth) Draeger, all of the Menomonie area. Seventeen great grandchildren; Marissa, Jessica and Nathan Frank, Shelby and Kelsey Skillings, Jacob Smeltzer, Paige (fiancee Jon Link) Harvey, Dylan Harvey, Ryan, Kyle, Tyler and Myia Draeger, Amanda (Ryan) Swenby and Daniel Schleusner, Josh and Adam Draeger, Benjamin Draeger. Two step great grandchildren; Celine and Thomas. Brother, Lyle (LaVonne) Kuester of Menomonie. And her first great-great grandchild due in October. As well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister and brother-in-law; Ruby and Norvald Stene, son-in-law Charles Frank, and great grandson Bryce Smeltzer. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, September 16, 2010, at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie, with Pastor Geoff Scott officiating. There will be a visitation Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 pm at Olson Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery.