Willard F.

Draeger

Willard F. Draeger, 91, Lake Mills, died on Sunday, November 26, 2017, at Brook Gardens in Lake Mills.

He was born on November 7, 1926, in Watertown, the son of the late Ernest and Grace (Krause) Draeger.

Willard was a graduate of the Lake Mills High School, class of 1944.

He married Louida "Tweedy" Behrens on May 22, 1948 at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cambridge. She died on Nov. 19, 2011.

They moved to the Hope Lake area in 1951, where they farmed for many years. He was known in the area for selling popcorn and apples.

He was a member of the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Town of Deerfield, past president and treasurer of the church council, and the Lake Mills Bridge Club.

Willard enjoyed playing cards (especially sheepshead and euchre), doing puzzles, listening to polka music, and traveling.

For many years Willard had been the sexton of the Kroghville Cemetery.

Willard adopted both sons through the Childrens Lutheran Home in Milwaukee but was proud to be a "Father" to many being a terrific friend and role model.

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey (Margaret) of Lake Mills; one granddaughter, Samantha Jo Draeger; one sister, Judith Grace Otis of Arlington Heights, IL; other relatives and many friends.

Also preceding in death was a son, Curtis Lynn Draeger in 2005.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Town of Deerfield with the Rev. Paul Scharrer officiating.

Burial will be in the Kroghville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. on Friday at the church until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rainbow Hospice Care, Inc of Jefferson.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com