Evan Henry Draeger, 91, of Mitchell, SD died Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Memorials services will be 2:00 PM Thursday at Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Evergreen Cemetery, St. Edwards, NE at a later time. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Evan Henry Draeger, son of Otto and Lena (Staashelm) Draeger, was born March 5, 1918 at Box Elder, MT. He and his family later moved to Nebraska. As a young man Evan joined the CCCs. He served three years in the Army Air Corp during World War II in England and Italy.

Evan was united in marriage with Ruth Willard on June 17, 1947 in St. Edwards, NE. He was employed with Loup River Power and later as a power plant operator for the Army Corp of Engineers until his retirement in 1978. In their retirement, Evan and Ruth moved to Mitchell.

Evan was a lifetime member of the American Legion; and a former member of the VFW.

Grateful for having shared his life are wife, Ruth Draeger, Mitchell, SD; a son, Gene Draeger and his wife, Monica, Green Valley, AZ; a daughter, Carol Strand and her husband, Jerry, Casselton, ND; 2 grandchildren; one great grandson; a sister, Eleanor Cruise and her husband, Fay, St. Edward, NE; a brother, Lee Draeger and his wife, Gayle, Osceola, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ferneen Furby; and a brother, Harold.