Richard "Richie" L. Drager, Jr., 60 years young, passed away at his residence in Medford on Nov. 3.
Richie was born on February 18, 1959 in Medford, WI to Richard, Sr. and Darlene (Dassow) Drager. Richie was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, WI. He grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford Senior High School. While in high school, he worked at Vern's Service Station on Main and Broadway Streets. He always had a "fix-it" attitude and worked diligently on making it run right and making it look like new. After high school he moved to Eau Claire and graduated with an associate degree in small engines from Chippewa Valley Technical College and then moved back to Medford. His teachers and the students valued his opinion when working on challenging engines. Over the years he fixed many autos, rotor-tillers, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, and motorcycles at his residence. He never tired of solving engine problems for anyone.
He worked at Weathershield and Hurd's Millwork. He enjoyed the people and the work. Richie's eye sight failed after surgery and caused him to be legally blind and forced him to leave his job at Hurd's. He tended to his dad's failing health with endless patience. After Dad passed in 1993, he cared for his mother especially in the last few years when her health failed and most recently, he was her sole caretaker 24-7. He was so patient, kind, and devoted to fixing and helping everyone else that he never took time for himself. He was a man of honesty, of humor, of practical jokes, of inventions, of long phone conversations, and a man of faith praying for our kids, family and yes, animals. Richie always bought or donated to kids selling items for a cause. He liked to buy raffle tickets to help out and rarely won anything except one time. He loved to cook and took pride in his recipes for chili, chocolate cake with a good layer of frosting, huge chocolate chip cookies, and the famous green bean casserole. When having his coffee, it was always filled to the rim. He was a lover of his dogs, Sparky and Teddy, who survive him. Richie never missed a family birthday with a card and a phone call just to hear our voices. Deer hunting times were enjoyed by all because of his laughter and the stories of the "big ones that got away for now." He loved the woods, planted flowers, harvested gardens, and rode motorcycles and snowmobiles in days past. Richie enjoyed family get togethers especially Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. His plate overflowed with favorite foods (mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, corn, and meat) as did his generosity to all during the holidays. Richie always thought there should be a Culver's in Medford and was so excited with the announcement that he immediately called family. He prayed for people and cared for his family as was evident in caring for his parents.
He is survived by his mother, Darlene of Medford, sisters Shirley Ruesch (Kelvin) of Eau Claire, Nancy Shannon (Tim) of Colby, and brother Gary of Medford. He also is survived by nieces Alisa, Amanda, Elizabeth, Sara and nephews Jeremy, Walter, Kurtis, and Bradley. He made many friends and could talk about anything with them. It was never a good-bye but “later” to end the conversation.
A special thank you to the Medford Police Department for assisting him when calls were made to his home or his mother's home. A huge thank you to the officer who told him to “take care of yourself, too.” His heart was full of love and caring and his time on earth was way too short. We can only imagine what the last few weeks of caring for Mom were like, but he never complained or asked for help. We were all too busy to realize you needed us more than you said. May Richie's heart be healed with relaxation time and past loved ones. He is dearly missed.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, November 16 from 2 to 5pm and a prayer and remembrance at Hemer Funeral Home at 555 W. Cedar Street in Medford, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family. As he always said, "Later."
