Barbara Mae Draves

Barbara Mae Draves, 70, of Fond du Lac, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at St. Agnes Hospital. She was born May 9, 1943 in Fond du Lac, the youngest daughter of Matthew T. and Frances Mae Theyerl Gross. Barbara attended St. Patrick's Grade School and was a 1961 graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School. On June 24, 1961, Barbara married her childhood sweetheart and prince, David C. Draves at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.Barbara worked at St. Mary's Grade School to be close to her children during their grade school years and later worked for Goodrich High School Library, Klinzing & Michelwitz Accounting, and Fox Valley Savings Bank. Religion was very important to her and was a member of Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church. Barbara loved Mackinac Island, dancing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and embraced computer games. She also enjoyed canning, watching golf, gardening, walking, and camping many weekends at one of her favorite places, Lake of the Woods. She was an impeccable record keeper, loved history and antiques.Barbara was a wonderful wife and mother and loved family gatherings, she was an awesome cook and baker, loved family photos, and always had her house decorated to the nines for the holidays. Barbara and her family immersed themselves in hockey, she coached girls teams, attended many weekend tournaments, and even helped with driving the zamboni. She is survived by her husband, David; five children, Teresa (Will) Draves Daane, Fond du Lac, Steve Draves, Fond du Lac, Dan (Heide) Draves, Byron, Angel (Kent) Stoddard, Seymour, Scott (Paula) Draves, Waupun; eight grandchildren, Cody, Matt, Lisa, Jenny, McKenna, Skyler, Charley and Rena; one great grandson, Travis. She is further survived by one sister, Mary Curran, Fond du Lac; one brother, Jim Gross, Janesville; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and her dog, Rocky. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Geri (Willard) Secor, Bernice (Ray) Puddy, Pat (Gene) Barnes; one brother, Tom (Audrey) Gross; one brother-in-law, Bud Curran.Barbara was a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and daughter with an exceptionally beautiful heart and with her husband by her side she was always there for everyone. She enjoyed life. Her smile brought so much joy to those around her. She was a short giant in all she took on.Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish or Fond du Lac Humane Society in Barbara's name.



The visitation will be held from 11:30 AM "“ 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at St. Peter Church, Holy Family Parish. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at St. Peter Church, Holy Family Parish, St. Peter. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery.