Roger William Drake

Cambria: Roger William Drake, age 80 of rural Cambria, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friesland with Rev. John Hildebrant officiating. Burial will follow in Friesland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be served back at the church. Relatives and friends may call on the family on Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Roger was born on Feb. 15, 1939 in Portage the son of Cecil and Lorretta (Koenig) Drake. He was a 1957 graduate of Markesan High School and then served for a short time in the Army Reserves. On Sept. 10, 1960, Roger was united in marriage to Charlene Bobholz at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friesland. Roger worked at various jobs over the years and retired from Friday Canning (Seneca Foods) as a maintenance mechanic. He also drove school bus for the Cambria-Friesland School for many years. In 1960, Roger and Charlene purchased their farm and together enjoyed raising hogs and chickens. In their free time, they would spend it on the Fox River at the trailer, where Roger loved to hunt and fish. Roger was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friesland. Roger will be sadly missed and mourned by his wife of 58 years, Charlene of rural Cambria; his children, Clyde (Amy) of Stoughton, David (Erin) of Fort Atkinson, Edwin (Linda) of Houston, TX and Laurie (Tom) Buchberger of Plainfield; his five grandchildren, Josie, Carter, Shelby, Isaiah and Heather; one brother, Robert (Joan) Drake of Madison; nieces, nephews, several other relatives and dear friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 101 First St., Friesland, WI 53935. The Kratz-Smedema Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information or online condolences, please visit www.kratzfh.com.