Mary Ellen Draeger passed away peacefully in her sleep, unexpectedly, Sunday morning at Evergreen Terrace.
Mary Ellen was born July 21, 1939 in Pontiac, MI to Al and Charlotte Shaughnessy. She graduated high school from St. Pats Girls Academy in Park Ridge, IL and then went on to Iowa University. She met her soul mate Jim Draeger at Bass Lake as teenagers where both of their parents had cottages. They married in 1961 and Mary Ellen moved from the metropolis of Chicago to the little town of Antigo to raise her future family of five children.
She went back to school in the 1970s to get her administrative license in health care and was instrumental in changing the way East View Nursing home operated. She was committed to East View for the next 20 years, but her family came first. She loved her children and made sure that all five had a plan for their future, all five graduating from college. She was determined to get her kids to return to Antigo to be near her. Four out of five did just that, making Antigo their home alongside her for the past 30+ years.
Working full time, raising five kids, lifeguarding the family pool, and cooking nonstop was her normal day. Jim was her best friend. They spent their winters in Maui, Hawaii for the past 25 years, until Jim's passing in 2020.
She was generous to a fault, saying quite often she had little to no use for money. She was quick to donate to the needs of the community and set up a trust for the future needs of Antigo as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, husband Jim, and her sister Jean Wheeler.
She is survived by her sister Gail Rassmussen, five children Dan (Patty) Draeger, Jenny (Dave) Schlundt, Joseph (Susan) Draeger, Susie (Rob) Schroeder, Sarah (Gary) Voytovich; 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who she loved very much.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Ellen will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at St. John Catholic Church at 12:00 PM with Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the Mass at the Church from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Memorials in Mary Ellen’s name can be directed to the Langlade County Humane Society.
Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends can visit online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.
