PATRICIA DRAEGER

PATRICIA DRAEGER 08/02/1934 - 11/24/2025 Patricia Anne (Hunt) "Patty" Draeger, 91, formerly of Lorton and Dunbar, Neb., passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Syracuse, Neb., at Gately House with Cindy Ann and Cindy Mae at her side. Patricia Anne Draeger was born August 2, 1934, in rural Dunbar, the daughter of Orval and Mable (Printz) Hunt. Her family was joined by sisters Shirley and Sally. The family lived one mile south of Dunbar before moving into Dunbar where she attended kindergarten. They then moved to Lorton where she attended District 39. She graduated from Dunbar High School with the class of 1952 and always remained involved with the Dunbar Alumni. She played volleyball and the clarinet in the band. After high school, Patty attended Peru State Teachers' College where she graduated on August 13, 1955. She taught school at two country schools around the Dunbar area for four years. On May 21, 1955, Patty was united in marriage to Arnold C. Draeger at Dunbar Presbyterian Church and to this union four children were born: Clyde, Bryan, Cindy and Brenda. Patty quit teaching school to stay home and raise their children. Patty liked sewing, reading and baking. She was a good cook and baked wedding cakes for many years. When she baked chocolate chip cookies, Shane Pfeiffer was the first one over to enjoy them. Patty attended Dunbar Presbyterian Church since childhood and remained involved for many years. She was president of Willing Workers, Youth Group, taught Sunday school, headed up Vacation Bible School and did the Children's Christmas Eve Program. She was very active in the Dunbar Recreation Dept. and headed up their haunted house for many years. She was also a member of Nebraska City Coin Club, involved with Woodmen of the World as a youth leader and after the camp was built she was the cook. Patty did a number of jobs after her children were grown. She did preschool in her basement, had a daycare and worked at Steinhart Lodge and Kimmell Apple Orchard. When she had grandchildren, she took care of them and her cousin June. As her grandchildren grew, Patty loved going to their activities. She enjoyed growing her garden and her flowers and also loved her fishpond, which she liked to sit by and watch the fish. Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Clyde (Cindy) Draeger of Dunbar, Bryan Draeger of Nebraska City, Cindy Jewell of Dunbar, and Brenda (Andy) DeGolyer of Dunbar; nine grandchildren: Alicia Draeger, Matthew (Brittany) Draeger, Jonathan Draeger, Devon (Jamie) Draeger, Brandon Draeger, Jesse (Laura) Jewell, Jasmyn (Allison) Jewell, Braxtyn (Gracie) DeGolyer and Kayden DeGolyer; 13 great-grandchildren: Bryce Draeger, Ethan Draeger, Elijah Sawo, Amiyah Sawo, Ariel Draeger, Davon Draeger, Dreyden Draeger, Dane Draeger, Jayla Draeger, Madison Draeger, Mckenna Draeger, Brody Draeger and Boaz Draeger and one on the way; sister Sally Stubbendieck of Lincoln, Neb.; many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold C. Draeger, on July 3, 2016, her parents Orval and Mable Hunt, sister Shirley Wright; grandparents: Albert and Orilla Etta Printz and Frank M. and Rebecca Hunt; brothers-in-law: Raymond Roos, James Wright and Wendell Stubbendieck and sister-in-law Helen Roos. The Lord called Patty to her home in heaven. She was a very loving, caring soul who loved her family very much. A Funeral Service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Dunbar Presbyterian Church in Dunbar. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Dunbar Cemetery in Dunbar. The family greeted friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 30 at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City. A Memorial Fund is being established in memory of Patty. Gude and Marshall Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.