Alice Draves

Alice Trist Thorkelson Draves, 89, of 47 Elm Tree Lane died peacefully at home May 13, 2010, with her daughter by her side.Alice was born July 2, 1920, in Milwaukee, the daughter of William Louis and Cora Trist Thorkelson of Racine. After her mother’s death in 1930, Alice and her only brother were reared by their father and his sisters, Tillie and Bertha Thorkelson.Alice was a 1937 graduate of Washington Park High School, Racine; attended Beloit College for two years and transferred to the University of Wisconsin where her future husband was a student. Alice, who was in the first class to reside in Elizabeth Waters dormitory for women, earned a bachelor’s degree in American Institutions from UW.She married William August Draves III on Aug. 2, 1941, and they lived in Wisconsin Rapids for a year. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and they were stationed in Palm Beach, Fla., Macon, Ga., and Chicago until Bill was sent to England the evening before D-Day, June 6, 1944.During the war, Alice worked in the Milwaukee and Chicago offices of Johns Manville Co. and with U.S. Navy Inspections in Racine. After the war, Alice and Bill moved to Fond du Lac where Bill was an editor at The Reporter. They formed many lasting friendships especially through Newcomers Club. In 1947, she and friends formed a girls’ bridge club, which stayed together for over 55 years. She also played in several other bridge clubs. Alice was an active volunteer as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, a member of Bragg School PTA, a board member of the Fond du Lac County Historical Society and 25-year guide and volunteer at Galloway House, a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, PEO Chapter K, Heritage Club, DAR, Round Table and a past member of AAUW. Alice also assisted with Meals on Wheels for many years. Alice took great pride and enjoyment in entertaining family and friends in her home and was an excellent cook. She had a great love for antique furniture and enjoyed her glass and antique collections. She and Bill loved spending summers at their cabin in Manitowish Waters. Alice is survived by her daughter, Susan (Patrick) Hanlon, Neenah; and four sons, William A. IV (Julie) , River Falls; Robin (Wendy), Winona, Minn.; Timothy (Nancy) and Ted, both San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren Nicole Perez, Jason Coates and Will, Elizabeth, Dylan, Eric and Evan Draves. Alice was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 1, 1998, special friend John Willetts and her brother, William. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2010, at Covenant United Methodist Church with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Rienzi Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Alice Draves

July 2, 1920 - May 22, 2010