Obituaries: Theresa Elizabeth "Tess" Draeger

Theresa Elizabeth "Tess" Draeger, 92, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 in Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton.

She was born on Sept. 15, 1927 in Munising, Michigan to Josephine (Ludwa) Broda and Francis M. Broda Sr.

Tess graduated from Mather High School in Munising in 1945. On Jan. 31, 1947, she married Leonard "Chuck" Draeger in Munising. They moved to Duluth in 1951 with their two young daughters and to Carlton in 1957.

She was a hardworking woman. As a teenager she worked at the drugstore soda fountain and paper mill in Munising. After moving to Minnesota she worked at a hospital, mink farm, restaurant as a waitress, at convenience and grocery stores as a cashier, and as a baker at a Carlton cinnamon toast business. At the age of 78 she retired from a Carlton printing business. No moss grew under her little tennis shoes.

She often walked six miles a day when she was in her 80s. Most people recognized her. Some knew her only as the curly-haired lady walking all over town.

Tess was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck; sons-in-law, Frank "Poncho" Talarico and Greg Snyder; brothers John and Frank Broda; nieces, nephews, and many in-laws.

She is survived by her daughters, Amy (Ray Gibson) Talarico and Jessica (Al Muncherian) Snyder; grandchildren, Paul (Brenda) Talarico, Todd (Tom Yager) Talarico, and Amy Jo "AJ" Talarico (Greg); great-grandsons, Henry and Tommy Talarico and another one due in May; brother Bob (Pat) Broda; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Her family can't thank the staff at Inter-Faith Care Center enough for the loving care they gave Tess these past two-and-a-half years. The patience and compassion everyone showed her was beyond what we could have ever expected. Proud of her Polish heritage, she loved being able to greet one staff member with "Jak sie masz?" or, "How are you?"

Tess had a long life and is now at peace.

Per her wishes, there will be no service. In the summer we hope to gather to take Mom/Gramma/Great Gramma for a walk down her favorite trail. Letters or cards of condolence may be sent to the family via the funeral home. Those wishing to send memorials may pay it forward by helping someone in need in honor of Tess. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 801 14th St., Cloquet MN 55720. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com

Pine Knot News, May 1, 2020