TOMAH - Leona Barbara Draeger, age 96, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the Serenity House on Friday, July 22, 2022. She was born July 11, 1926, to John and Teresa (Briggeman) Dechant in Cashton, Wisconsin. Leona was united in marriage to William Draeger on January 31, 1948. Together, they spent many years dancing and traveling.
Leona was not only a faithful member of the Queen of the Apostles Parish, but also served as a member of the PCCW and helper of school lunches. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, gardening, and the beauty of colorful flowers. Leona also had a creative mind that helped in her passion of decorating their homes.
Her love for home and family filled Leona’s heart to the point of overflowing to all who had the joy of knowing her. She welcomed all in and considered them family. Being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was her favorite place to be.
She is survived by her children, Mary (David) Reardon, Bill (Rosemary) Draeger, and Dan (Julie) Draeger; her grandchildren, Amy (Tim) Reardon-Young, Heather (Jeff) Reardon-Nabbefeld, Tina (Doug) Miller, Katrina Clay, Corey (Kris) Clay, Joseph (Jasmine) Draeger, Jason (Melissa) Draeger, Andrew (Samantha) Draeger, and David (Lauren) Draeger; many great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Lawrence (Shirley) Dechant, Robert (Joanne) Dechant, Donald (Ethel) Dechant, and Lamont (Frances) Dechant.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and DeVere Clay; infant daughter, Betty Ann; grandson, Jeremiah; great grandson, Robert; great granddaughters, Hope and Erin; and brothers, Carl, Paul, Ben, and Harold.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 11:30 a.m. at the Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Monsignor David Kunz will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church, with a rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Leona’s memory to Tomah Health (for their exceptional care), Hospice Touch (for their love and support) or Queen of the Apostles Guardian Angel Fund (very dear to Leona).
The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
