JOHN J. DRATH

John J. Drath, age 78, of Emerald, WI died Wednesday August 15, 2012 at the St. Croix Health Center in New Richmond, WI.

John was born Sept. 3, 1933 in W. Chicago, IL to Marx and Hattie (Ferdon) Drath. He served in the US Navy from 1950 to 1954.

John married Virginia Lippin in Eau Claire, WI on June 9, 1962. John was a member of the Lather Local #190 and Carpenters Local #0068, working on many buildings including the Minnesota capital, state theater Orpherum and under water world at MOA and many schools and hospitals. He also farmed in the Emerald area from 1974 to 1988.

After retiring he continued building three homes and many pieces of fine wood works. He enjoyed golfing with family and friends. He was a member of the Mens’ senior golf league at Glen Hills Golf Club and enjoyed spending time at the lake.

John is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mildred Peterson, Helen Hoage and Noella Young and brother Herbert.

John is survived by wife Virginia Drath of Emerald, WI for 50 years; children Lynanne Jeske of Emerald, WI and David Drath of Lakeland, MN; granddaughters Angela Jeske and Sarah Jeske; great-grandson Reeyce “John”. Sister Celia “Susie” Eckmann of Delavan, WI; brother-in-law Kenneth Lippin and wife Ruth of St. Paul, MN. He is futher survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Reverend Diane house officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Emerald Twp., WI. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Local arrangements by the Anderson Funeral Home in Glenwood City, WI..