Rose Mary Drab

Rose Mary Drab died Friday, January 2, 2015 at Langlade Hospital. She was 101 years old. She was born April 28, 1913 in the Town of Norwood, daughter of the late Joseph S. and Stephania (Letko) Drab. Her father, who worked as a blacksmith, was one of nine children, one sister, seven brothers. In 1923, at an early age of 10, Rose became the caregiver for her father and three brothers. They lived on a farm south of Antigo in the Town of Strassburg. She learned to be a wonderful cook and seamstress. Making history, she embroidered a tapestry of a US Flag which hung in the White House in 1938. Still making history, one of her embroidered pillow cases that she sent to her brother Ed while in CC camp in Elcho in 1934, has been accepted into the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum this year. She was employed in banking, first working as a teller and later in management. Rose was a patriot who invested heavily in war bonds during her career. These bonds were able to support her for life and allowed the establishment of a trust to support area religious education and ministry. In 1982 Rose came to live with her brother Edward. Rose loved doing crafts and household activities along with dancing. Before returning to the area, she resided in Denver, Illinois, Nebraska, and Milwaukee. Ms. Drab was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox, where she was active in her faith. Survivors include two nephews, Joe of South Dakota and Ed of Indiana; two nieces Kathy Drab of Antigo and Jenny Doucette of Antigo; two cousins, Jacqueline Sollars and Lorraine Perlini both of Chicago; many friends and her loving family of caregivers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Ed and Charles. A funeral mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Phlox, Wisconsin with Fr. Charles Hoffmann and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with parish wake service at 6:30 p.m. A second visitation will be Wednesday at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friends may visit online at www.strasserrollerfh.com.