Walter “Wally” Robert Draack of Frazee, peacefully passed on to his heavenly home on April 26th, 2024, surrounded by family after succumbing to a four-year cancer battle.
The Mass of Christian burial for Walter Draack will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Maple Ave W, Frazee, MN 56544, on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1:30 PM with Father Hamness officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Frazee. Walter Robert Draack was born in Fargo, ND. on December 20th, 1947 to Walter and Leona Draack. He was baptized at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo, ND., confirmed at St. Henry’s Catholic Church and attended Perham High School.
Wally had an adventurous youth, often surrounded by his grandparents and uncles. When he was very young, his grandpa Hubert Miller took him fishing. Instead of using a bobber, Grandpa Miller put a bell on his pole, so he could hear when there was a fish on his line. The bell rang often, and no one could stop Wally from fishing from that day forward.
Wally and his brother Bob were extremely close throughout their lives and did everything together. Even getting kicked out of parochial school when the nuns and their rulers were ineffective. Prior to his teens, the two of them had the opportunity to join a party of 14 for deer hunting, with their dad Walter, Grandfather Walter, Uncle Jim and other locals. The hunt started with a 4:30 a.m. breakfast at Lake George Store. It was there that Wally shot his first buck, once again, the beginning of a lifetime activity. The boys made the mistake of showing off their strength lifting logs, when their dad and uncle were cutting cords of pulp. It was then Uncle Jim made the decision they would be responsible for loading truckloads of logs for weeks at a time. They chopped wood, picked rice, trapped on Mud Lake, took care of the livestock, huge gardens and everything else country kids did. Wally was an extremely good athlete and played many ball games with his parents and siblings. Once Bob participated in school sports, Wally was left to do more than his share of the chores. Wally would be mad, and remind Bob that he would not be attending his “Stupid Game”. However, each time brother Bob would look through the crowd, he would spot his number one fan and inspiration, his big brother Wally.
In 1967, Wally was drafted and had training at Ft. Lewis, Washington and then went to supply chain training in Cucamonga, CA before being sent to Saigon. He returned from Vietnam in 1969 where he proceeded to care for his terminally ill mother until her death in 1970.
In 1976, Wally married Rose Mary Henn and they welcomed five children. Wally’s career consisted of 25 years at Frazee Turkey Plant and 13 years at Team Industries. Wally was industrious, opening his own small bait business and a fishing guide service for annual groups coming from Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan. He made lifelong friendships through his guiding services.
In 1989, he met Patricia Johnson and they shared their lives together for 35 years. After retirement Wally spent his time hunting, fishing and caring for his family. He was the favorite babysitter for his grandchildren, teaching them all about hunting, fishing and trapping.
Wally instilled many great qualities in his children. He raised four strong, independent daughters, teaching them they could do everything boys could do, and enforcing the rule to never let anyone tell them differently. Wally prided himself in his one and only son’s woodsmanship, hunting, trapping and fishing abilities. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Walter is survived by his children: Lesley (Tommy) Pham of NY, Walter Jr. Draack, Lynette (Preston) Draack, Deanna (Tommy) Dinh, Andrea (Ben) Bartnes all of MN; 23 grandchildren; three great granddaughters; companion Patricia Johnson; four brothers: Bob (Carla), Dennis (Cindy), Carl and Allan; and a sister Carolie Poole; Along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Leona Draack, Paternal Grandparents Walter and Janette Draack, Maternal Grandparents Hubert and Lena Miller.
In remembrance of Walter Draack’s life & love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project or American Cancer Society. YOU WERE OUR PROTECTOR ON EARTH, AND NOW OUR GUIDING LIGHT FROM HEAVEN
Furey Funeral Home is serving the family. Please visit fureyfh.com, call (218)334-2461.
