Rufus A. Draeger

Obituary

Rufus Albert Draeger was born on March 7, 1936, in Glencoe, Minesota. He was the son of Otto and Hulda (Moritz) Draeger. Rufus was baptized as an infant at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Fernando, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota. He received his education at the Brownton High School.

Rufus entered active military service in the United States Army on February 20, 1957, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was transferred to the United States Army Reserves on February 10, 1959, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and achieved the rank of Private First Class.

On August 29, 1959, Rufus was united in marriage to Gloria Ribar at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. This marriage was blessed with four children, Regina, Ramona, Randy and Rhonda. Rufus and Gloria made their home in Brownton where they shared 64 years of marriage.

Rufus was employed at 3M for 32 ½ years and served on the Emergency Response Team. He retired in 1996. Rufus was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, serving on the church council, as a deacon and an usher. He was also a member of the Brownton Fire Department and Ambulance Crew.

Rufus enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, woodworking and doing yard work. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Rufus passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 87 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Rufus is survived by his:
Wife, Gloria Draeger at Harmony River in Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Regina Hedin of Litchfield, MN,
Ramona Dressel and her husband, Brian of Hutchinson, MN,
Randy Draeger and his wife, Melissa of Brownton, MN,
Rhonda Tronick and her husband, Chris of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Hunter (Sarah) and Parker Hedin, Zachary (Shelby) and Samantha Dressel (Dontae), Coleton (Morgan) Draeger, Trenton (Becca) Draeger, Grace Draeger, Kayla Tronick (Corey), Amanda (Zach) Rynning;
Great-grandchildren, Dontae Moore Jr., Jase Dressel, Ezra Dressel, Isla Draeger, Adley Draeger, Jameson Draeger, Camden Draeger, Mya and Emmett Rynning;
Siblings, Elsie Alsleben of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Rueben Draeger and his wife, Bernice of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Rufus is preceded in death by his Parents, Otto and Hulda Draeger; Great-grandchild, Talon Dressel; Brother-in-law, Roy Alsleben, John (Eleanor) Ribar; Son-in-law, Dave Hedin.