Roger Draeger

Obituary

Roger Albert Emil Draeger was born on May 17, 1937 in Sumter Township, Brownton, Minnesota. He was the son of Arthur and Elda (Ostermann) Draeger. He was baptized on June 6, 1937, and confirmed on April 1, 1951, both at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownton. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Brownton, with his parents and 4 siblings. He attended country school, and then graduated from Brownton High School in 1955.

Roger married Joy Kiecker from Fairfax, Minnesota on May 23, 1957 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownton. They shared a marriage of nearly 68 years and were blessed with four children, Kathleen, Burton, Karleen and Bruce, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. They lived in Gibbon, Brownton and on their farm near Brownton.

Roger worked at Gibbon Produce, Glencoe Quality Feeds and for 33 years he was employed as a production control scheduler at 3M in Hutchinson. He also farmed with his Dad and brother Raymond.

Roger was a lifelong member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, and served his church as Chairman, Trustee, Deacon, Board of Education and Cemetery Board. He and Joy were also care takers of the church cemetery and custodians of the church. Roger served on the Brownton School Board, the McLeod West School Board, the Brownton Bruins Baseball Board and the Brownton Rod & Gun Club Board. He enjoyed being involved in his community and church. After his retirement, Roger was a driver for the Trailblazer Transit and he graded roads in Penn Township.

Roger enjoyed working on the farm, ice fishing, Canada fishing trips, hunting, Schafkopf card games, dancing to Old Time music, traveling with Joy, camping, biking, Bruins baseball, Twins baseball, family gatherings and time spent with friends. He especially loved time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Roger passed away at the age of 87 years, at Grand Meadows Senior Living in Glencoe, MN on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Blessed be his memory.

Roger is survived by his:
Wife, Joy of Brownton, MN, living at Grand Meadows in Glencoe, MN;
Daughter, Kathy and her husband Kevin Nordby of Brownton, MN;
Son, Burt of Brownton, MN and his significant other Melisa Voelz;
Daughter, Karleen and her husband Daniel Cowger of Delano, MN;
Son, Bruce of Chanhassen, MN;
Grandchildren, Karsten Nordby and his wife Misty of Glencoe, MN,
Lukas Nordby and his wife Anita of Culver, MN,
Bryant Nordby and his wife Paige of Hutchinson, MN,
Amanda Rogotzke and her husband Jay of Mayer, MN,
Michael Cowger and his wife Eleanor of Bloomington, MN,
Mitchell Cowger and his wife Sami of Richfield, MN,
Maxwell Cowger of Golden Valley, MN and his significant other Jordan Anderson,
Matthew Cowger and his wife Jordan of Fairbault, MN,
Paighton Draeger of Chanhassen, MN,
Avery Draeger of Chanhassen, MN,
Kynzley Draeger of Chanhassen, MN;
Great Grandchildren: Bradlee, Layla, Axel, and Ace Nordby, Alexis, Lily, and Jase Nordby, Mcguire and Maddox Nordby, Tyson and Ryker Rogotzke, Daniel and Robert Cowger, Crosby Cowger, Calvin Cowger;
Brother, Howard Draeger and his wife Barbara of Brownton, MN;
Brother-in-law, Jerome Kiecker and his wife Janice of Fairfax, MN;
Sister-in-law, Joann Vorwerk and her husband Wally of Gibbon, MN;
Sister-in-law, Gail Roebke of Hector, MN;
Brother-in-law, Lowell Kiecker and his wife Sharon of Fairfax, MN;
Brother-in-law, Gerald Schiro and his wife Sue of Willmar, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends

Roger is preceded in death by his Parents, Arthur and Elda Draeger; Brothers, Lawrence Draeger and Raymond Draeger; Sisters, Edna Wendland and Deloris Draeger; Brothers-in-law, Ellsworth Wendland, William Roebke, and Loren Kiecker; Sisters-in-law, Jolene Schiro, and CeliaMae Draeger.