DAVID DRAEGER

David S. Draeger, 81, passed away at home with his son and family by his side. He was born to the late Victor and Clara (Fine) Draeger, on October 28, 1938 at their home in Oshkosh. 

David was attending a gathering with his sister Margaret when he met Nina Lee Buss and within months they were wed and shared 26 cherished years together before her passing on July 21, 1992.  Their marriage did not end with her passing, as their love was eternal.  He always said he would be reunited with her when the time came. 

David had a passion for helping others and giving endlessly with love and compassion.  He wore many hats throughout his lifetime.  As a child David and his brothers worked with their father to build numerous houses around their residence on Grove street in Oshkosh.  He had a strong desire to travel and started by becoming a bellhop at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  His love for the island would be shared by his future bride as they got married there at the Little Stone Church on June 25, 1966.  During the off season he would follow this career to The Boca Raton Resort in Florida where, as a hobby, he and his friend Kip would refinish luxury boats.  Wanting to continue to experience what life had to offer, he became a disc jockey in Bainbridge, GA.  Where he was referred to as “Two D's If You Please”.  He would go on to the Los Angeles area becoming a tow truck driver.  He spoke of meeting numerous celebrities.  One of his favorites was coming across a stranded motorist named Sammy Davis Jr who needed a ride and a tow. 

David was known for his quick wit and ability to make a person smile, even in difficult times.    He enjoyed making people laugh with his off-the-cuff jokes, reminding others to never lose their sense of humor. 

This loving, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed. 

David is survived by his son, David; a granddaughter, Meghan Sina and her fiancé, Dillon Hubbard; great-granddaughter, AnnaLee Hubbard; two sisters: Norma Bolduan, Dorothy Kelling; brother, Dan (Elaine) Draeger; two brothers-in-law: Rodney Henschel, Robert (Georgie) Buss. 

David was preceded in death by brother, Victor Bruce Draeger; sister, Margaret Henschel; and a brother-in-law, James Bolduan.

A Celebration of life will be held at the Short Branch Saloon in Neenah on August 14th from 2:00pm - 6:00pm. Entombment will be privately held at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Neenah at a later date. 

David's son would like to thank the staff at Heartland Hospice.  And a special thanks to Jamie, Amber, Patty and Gordon for their love and support throughout the last several weeks.  

May the sun shine in your heart.

I Love you, Big Time, “HOY”.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Luke 1:78-79.