Service Details
A memorial service, celebrating her life, will be held in the funeral home Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23rd.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Lucy Catholic Church 3101 Drexel Ave. Racine, WI 53403, Compassus Hospice, 13200 Globe Dr. Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177, or the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, P.O. Box 867 Menomonee Falls, WI 53052.
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Carol Ann (nee: Calkins-Presta) Draeger, 84, died on Nov. 27, 2022. She was born in Racine on January 2, 1938, to Howard and Harriet Calkins.
Carol was a graduate of St. Catherine High School, Class of ’56. She was employed by E.C. Styberg until her retirement. Carol was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and a former member and office of the Vittoria Colonna.
Surviving are her husband Jerome H. Draeger; her children, Joseph Presta, Laura Rannow, Christine (Gary) Sorensen; David (Kathy) Draeger, Steven (Fai) Draeger, Jerome “Jay” (Leda) Draeger, and Katherine “Kay” Shalbrack; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Ken Huck, one great grandchild, son-in-law, David Shalbrack, special aunt and uncle, Helen and Earl Soli. A heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice of Racine and Denise Erickson, for the care they rendered to Carol.
Marian R. Bado says
My sincere sympathy.
Karen Horwich (Marian Bado's daughter) says
I am very sorry for your loss and remember Carol fondly from my childhood.
Judy and Joe Porcaro says
So sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was a friend of mine all through grade school(St. Patrick’s) and St. Catherine’s high school. Tonie D’Acquisto and I would walk down Charles St. to her house on Goold St during our high school years and her Aunt would give us a ride to school.. Sending condolences and our sincere sympathy to Jerry and family. RIP Carol.
Sandy Smolinski Seitz says
RIP Carol! Another classmate from St. Cat’s ’56. I spent lots of time with Carol during our high school years. She and her sister, Donna, were both very, very pretty and dressed beautifully too. Their Mom worked at Eitel’s in downtown Racine! She was a pretty lady too! Condolences to the family on this loss.
Pat Limbach says
I was a classmate and friend of Carol’s at SCHS.. our family was also good friends of the Draeger family.
Mat Carol Rest In Peace. Please accept my sympathy. Pat Bonnar Limbsch
Diego Camacho, Jr. says
Judy and I are Sorry for your loss ❤️ 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Mark Buchanan says
Jerry & Family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy.
Mark Buchanan, WIMS class of 1958
Debbie Sawatzki says
Tom Bower and Debbie Holsinger Sawatzki are so sorry for your loss.
Carol Zimmerman Anderegg says
I remember “Mrs. Presta” fondly. She was an amazing cook. I remember the red sauce that simmered for hours with a variety of cuts of meat. She even made buttered noodles taste great. Joey, Laura and Chrissy, you have my deepest sympathy.
Terri Presta says
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family.
mark ruffalo says
Hello friends of Carol. Although a child of Carol’s close friends Tris and Barbara Ruffalo, I always enjoyed Carol’s company at all our and her family gatherings. She was a phenomenal woman, mother, wife, as well as an entertainer, cook, decorator and host to many holiday and also impromptu get togethers. I always considered her a part of our family as she was a close friend to my Mother, Dad , sister Lyn, brother Tris and myself. I will never forget all the great memories with her from memorial day, 4th of july cookouts. browns lake etc. She also hosted a party at her home honoring my Mother and Father’s 25th wedding anniversary. And of course she did most of the work and planning. To her children Joe, Laura and Chrissy as well as her husband Jerry, I know you will miss her as we all will and just to let you know that Carol was an all time favorite of mine. Bless her.
Mark Ruffalo
Sarasota, FL
Tom Griffith says
There are a few people in my life that I will always remember. My aunt Carol is certainly one of them. Rest in peace.