Francis Draxler

Francis Andrew Draxler, 84, Auburndale, embraced by Jesus, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at his home with his loving wife Laurina and family by his side.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11am, Monday, April 2, 2012 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Auburndale with Rev. Peter Raj officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery.

Visitations will be from 4-8pm on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield and again on Monday at the church an hour before the service. There will be a Parish Prayer service on Sunday at Rembs Funeral Home at 6pm.

Francis was born on October 16, 1927 to Frank and Mary (Marti) Draxler. He graduated from Auburndale High School and then after graduation he worked for the Wood County Soil Conservation Department. He then joined the army and served as a Sergeant in the Korean War where he courageously fought in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. He went on to have a career as a surveyor and civil engineer for the City of Wisconsin Rapids and Donahue and Associates in Plover, WI. He served on the Board of Civil Engineering at Mid-State Technical College.

On July 2, 1952 Frank married his sweetheart, Laurina Ann Swetz, in Blenker, WI. The two started a family and were eventually blessed with 13 children. Frank adored his family and always had a smile for his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was often found captivating them with stories of his many adventures.

Frank greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially being able to reel in the big muskies with his brothers and sons. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed sharing this passion with his children. Frank also enjoyed horticulture and loved to watch his roses bloom. One of his favorite past times was to play cribbage with anyone willing to take a chance to lose.

Frank was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He graciously donated his time surveying and mapping St. Mary's and Pioneer Cemeteries. He also enjoyed volunteering as a Boys Scout leader and a commander of the local VFW.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Laurina, his children Karen Willfarht of Auburndale and son Adam; Gerard (Debbie) Draxler of Wausau and children Lisa, Crystal, and Chad; Alita (Al) Lobner of Milladore and children Brian and Corey; Frank (Chris) Draxler of Eau Claire and children Clark, Cortney, and Elliot; Ron (Lois) Draxler of Auburndale and children Sgt. Kyle and Nicholas; Doreen (George) Lang of Sherry and children Tara, Mandy, and Christopher; Don (Karen) Draxler of Oshkosh and children Evan, Aaron, and Sarah; Laura (Chuck) Krier of Omro and children Dan, Ashley, and Dave; Marie (Kelly) Eiden of Amherst and children Alyssa, Sawyer, and Nicole; Ramona (Brian) Fisher of Wisconsin Rapids and children Emily and Lyla; David Draxler of Auburndale and daughter Morgan; Danelle (Dave) Ley of Mosinee and daughter Rachel; Steve (Kerry) Draxler of Green Bay and children Maren, Colton, and Evelyn; and 20 great grandchildren. Frank is also survived by his brothers Robert Draxler of Marshfield and Vernon (Rita) Draxler of Elk River, MN and sisters Marietta Drach of Marshfield, Anita (William) Koenig of Merced, CA, Dolores (Richard) Kraus of Stratford and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank will be reunited in heaven with his loving parents Frank and Mary (Marti) Draxler, his brother Arnold, sisters Imelda Passineau and Marcella Bretzel, his son-in-law Glen Willfahrt, and granddaughter Lhea Krier.

Laurina and family send out a special heart-felt "Thank-You" to Dr. Drach, Dr. Reding and Dr. Kubica, as well as Ministry Home Care Hospice Services for their loving care.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise", Luke 23:43

Dad - you loved well and were well loved. Your work here is done. Enjoy Heaven and all its glory.