Mary G. Drake, 88
Mary G. Drake, age 88, of Stevens Point, died March 12, 2014 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI.
Mary was born July 9, 1925 to the late Roman J. and Gertrude M. (Martin) Kauphusman in Winona, MN. Mary grew up there and attended the local schools.
She married Ralph W. Drake on June 5, 1944 at St James Parish in Jamestown. Following her marriage, Mary dedicated her life to growing and raising a family.
Early years were spent in San Francisco, Winona, and Eau Claire, and then Mary and Ralph settled in Stevens Point where they became the “token Republicans” in Portage County. They were active within the community for 54 years.
Mary will be remembered for the love she shared and her strong-willed nature. She was an active member of St Stephen Catholic Parish where in the past she had enjoyed singing in the church choir, and coordinating the funeral choir. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at Mass and brought the Eucharist to the homebound. She was a past member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Over the years, Mary enjoyed playing bridge and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and whatever other sport might have been on TV. Mary also loved creating Christmas ornaments and many other handicrafts. Besides her love of family, Mary had a rich circle of friends. She loved to entertain and her signature dish was Osso Bucco; but for her family it was coffee cake that was expected at all family gatherings.
She is survived by her children, Dee Drake of Stockholm, Sweden, Steven (Irene) Drake of Gillett, Deborah Justice of Canton, MI, David (Lili) Drake of Amherst, Denise (Dennis) McCulley of Madison, & Paul (Barbara) Drake of Peoria, AZ; 13 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 4 great step –grandchildren; 1 great great step grandchild; and 7 siblings.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; and siblings, Don, Jeanne, Bob, & Margaret.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2014 at St Stephen Catholic Church with Rev. Dennis Stanchik officating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be held at a later date at St Peter & Paul Cemetery in the Town of Hart, MN.
Memorials may be made to Pacelli High School or Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools. Boston Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at bostonfuneralhome.net.