Judith Kay "Judy" Draeger

1946 - 2025

Judith Kay "Judy" Draeger Parker, CO - Judith K. "Judy" Draeger, 79, a long-time resident of Watertown, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Parker, Colorado, following a long illness. Judith Kay Kastenschmidt was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on July 18, 1946, the youngest daughter of Clarence and Emma Kastenschmidt. Judy married Barry R. Draeger in La Crosse on February 14, 1966. She graduated from UW La Crosse with degrees in mathematics and teaching in 1969, then moved to Juneau where she taught math at Dodgeland High School. After moving to Watertown in 1972, Judy changed careers. She furthered her education, earning an associate's degree in management information systems from MATC in 1974 and worked in various information systems and database management roles for Mayville Metal Products, Lindberg Hevi-Duty, General Signal and Eaton until her retirement in 2016. Additionally, Judy was a vital part of her husband's businesses, Barry Draeger Homes and the former Windwood Country Club. Judy was an active member of AAUW and enjoyed serving on scholarship committees. She also was a long-time member of a local bridge club and pursued her avid interest in U.S. history and Americana. Most of all she loved spending time with friends and family, especially her grandsons. Survivors include her son, Barry J. (Terri) Draeger and twin grandsons, Evan and Cameron of Parker, Colorado; sisters-in-law Joyce Kastenschmidt of La Crescent, Minnesota, Donna Draeger of Waupaca, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and close friends. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Barry; parents; sisters and brothers-in-law: Phyllis (Lloyd) Kasten, Jesse (Calvin) West, Lois (Sherman) Barton, Dorothy (Ben) Evenson, Betty (James) Holberg, Karyl (James) Draeger, Robert W. Draeger; and brothers George and Claire Kastenschmidt. A celebration of Judy's life will be held in Watertown on a later date.