Service Information
Howard A. Draeger, age 80, of Sumter Township, rural Brownton, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at his home.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will Monday, May 5, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and will continue one hour prior to the service ALL at the church.
Obituary
Howard Arthur Draeger was born on March 31, 1945, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Arthur and Elda (Ostermann) Draeger. Howard was baptized as an infant on April 8, 1945, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 17, 1959. He received his education in Brownton, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Brownton High School Class of 1963.
On June 12, 1965, Howard was united in marriage to Barbara Bauman at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. This marriage was blessed with three children, Kimberly, Brian (Butch), and Brandon. Howard and Barbara resided in Sumter Township, rural Brownton. They shared 59 years of marriage.
Howard was employed as a Labeling Supervisor for Seneca Foods in Glencoe, Minnesota. He retired in May 2008. Howard was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, serving as Board Trustee, Financial Secretary, and Board of Education. Howard was a volunteer for the Brownton Area Baseball/Softball and Brownton Baseball Association where he proudly maintained the fields.
Howard enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, being the “Pontoon Captain”, and fishing trips to Canada. He especially enjoyed watching his family participate in sporting events, bonfires at their camper on Rice Lake, Monday breakfasts with his retired coworkers, and spending time with his family and friends.
Howard passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at his home in Sumter Township, rural Brownton, at the age of 80 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Howard is survived by his:
Wife, Barbara Draeger of Brownton, MN;
Children, Kimberly Ribar and her husband, Jeff of Brownton,
Brian Draeger and his wife, Kelli of Cokato,
Brandon Draeger and his wife, Carrie of Kimball;
Grandchildren, Brittany (Spencer) Glaeser, Boyd Draeger, Erika Ribar, Brock Draeger, Ashley Ribar, Madison Mueller;
Great-grandchildren, Bella Ann Glaeser;
Many other relatives and friends.
Howard is preceded in death by his Parents, Arthur and Elda Draeger; Brothers, Lawrence Draeger, Raymond Draeger, Roger Draeger; Sisters, Edna Wendland and Deloris Draeger.
Sheldon and Mary Evenson says
Our hearts are broken, we have had so much fun over the years with Howie and Barb. We are so glad that we kept in touch after we stopped camping! You will be missed!
Barb sending big hugs, love you!
Charley&Nancy Mathiowetz says
To Barb and family, we are deeply saddened by Howie’s passing and will have you and the family in our prayers. He left a legacy of kindness and laughter and love for us all to remember! Gods blessings to you all!
Dianne Zach says
To Howies family and especially to Barb. Howie will be missed by so many, but I’m sure all will have very fond memories of time spent with him. It was a pure joy to Don and I to have you as camping friends for so many years. Don sure enjoyed cracking a beer with a porkchop with Howie.
So many memories to cherish.
Take care of yourself Barb, I know what you are going through.
Jennifer L Schmidt says
My sympathies to “Howie’s” family. I have lots of fun memories from the Draeger home. Blessed be Howie’s memory.
Teri Luedtke says
To Barb and family. We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Howie. He was a great person and will be missed. Many prayers and hugs to all of you.
Love, Dave, Teri and Zach Luedtke
Char and Bill Lidberg says
Prayers to all.
David & janice Mielke says
We are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family at this time.
Twyla Waller says
Our deepest Sympathies. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Twyla & Chuck