Geraldine H. Drake

Geraldine H. Drake, 88, of Onalaska and formerly of LaFarge, died Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Geraldine "Gerry" Drake, 88 of Onalaska and formerly of La Farge died Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. On April 26, 1923, Geraldine was born to Alvin O. Anderson and Etta (Adams) Anderson in Readstown, Wis. She was raised on farms in Vernon County and attended rural schools. In 1941 she graduated from Viola High School. After graduation she worked in Chicago, Ill., and in 1942 she returned to Vernon County to attend the County Normal School. She taught for two years in rural schools. On June 20, 1945 she married Hubert Drake. In 1946 they moved to Salem Ridge where they lived until 1973 when they moved to La Farge for five years, then moved back to Salem Ridge. Gerry attended La Crosse State College until she received her BE Degree. In 1962 she attended the University of Madison and La Crosse where she worked on her Masters degree. She taught rural state graded schools, and then went to La Farge school, where she taught remedial and special education classes, and later first grade for twenty-four year, retiring in 1986. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert in 1990; her father and mother; brothers: Donald, Robert, Larry, Kenneth and Carol; and sister, Marian. She is survived by a son, Robert (Loise) of Kansas; daughter, Janice of La Crosse; three grandchildren: Kami Newkirk of La Crosse, Michelle and Bill Drake of Kansas; six great-grandchildren: Jaylee, Conner and Madyson Newkirk and Christian, Bradley and Katelyn Drake; one sister, Janet (Mike) Morse of Elgin; many nieces, nephews and special friends; and her beloved 'boys' Snicker and Spiker. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Salem Ridge Faith United Methodist Church. Pastor George Shick will officiate. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.