Franklin David Draeger

Frank Draeger, Business Owner, Active Volunteer, 61 year Calimesan First Honorary Mayor (1969) and 61-year resident of Calimesa, Franklin David Draeger died August 19, 2011, at the age of 87. Frank was born on Jan. 3, 1924 in the family s home in Little Wolf, Wis. to farmers, Fred and Leona (Beyer) Draeger. He graduated from Marion High School in 1942. Frank served in the United States Army Signal Corp during World War II, enlisting at the age of 19, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Frank traveled to Burma, India, and China, traveling the famous Burma Road. In 1947, after returning home at the end of the war, he traveled west to California. He first arrived in Yucaipa and shortly thereafter settled in Calimesa where he and Beverley raised their five children in the house they built together in 1950. They celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to Beverley s passing in 1995. Frank lived in this house until May 2011. Frank owned and operated chicken and turkey ranches in Beaumont, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Mentone and Yucaipa. At one point in time, he operated 20 starter pullet ranches simultaneously. In 1958, Frank and Beverley opened, owned and operated Draeger s Feed Store on Calimesa Blvd. After 31 years of serving the residents in Yucaipa, Calimesa and surrounding communities, they retired. His work ethic led to a life of success and achievement as Frank served his country, raised a family for which he was most proud and ran several flourishing businesses. Frank was also deeply involved in the prosperity of Calimesa, serving and supporting the community in several arenas. Frank was active in the Calimesa Improvement Association which eventually became Calimesa Chamber of Commerce and for which he served as president for several terms. Additional involvement consisted of The annual Santa Claus is Coming to Town event in Calimesa, supporting the local 4-H group, Future Farmers of America, The Yucaipa Valley Holiday Parade, The Annual Horse Show and Veterans of Foreign Wars. When Frank wasn t working or volunteering, he enjoyed deep sea fishing in Mexico with friends. He also could be found fishing off the side of his boat at Lake Perris, after a hard day of work. Each September and October he also hunted dove and quail with family and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Beverley (Peterson) Draeger (1995), his older brother Clarence Draeger (1975), his older sister Irene (Draeger) Laude (2009), and his nephew John Draeger (1967). Frank will be greatly missed by his children; Audrey (Jim) Franklin of Riverside, CA., Doug (Marilyn) Draeger of Parker AR., Dennis (Toni) Draeger of Yucaipa, CA., Karen (Brian) Anderson of Hemet, CA., and Duke (Peggy) Draeger of Claremont, CA., as well as, his younger brother Glen (Susan) Draeger, of Rib Mountain WIS., and his younger sister Millie Martin of New London, WIS. He will also be deeply missed by his 27 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews, neighbors and many friends. A life video (continuous play) and viewing will be held 29 of August at Emmerson-Bartlett from 9-10am. A funeral service for Frank will be held 29 of August at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel at 10am. Entombment will be at Desert Lawn, following the funeral service.