Charles Drago

Charles D. Drago, 96, of Platteville passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Southwest Health Center, Platteville.

Charles was born on August 15, 1919, to Roy L. and Betty M. (Rahn) Drago in Milwaukee, WI. He attended public schools in Milwaukee and later graduated from Marquette University in the School of Business Administration with an accounting major in 1941.

Upon graduation from Marquette he joined the Navy and received a Commission as Ensign in 1943. Service time was spent in Mine Warfare, seeing action aboard a mine sweeper in the Pacific Theater. Charles served as Executive Officer and Captain of the USS YMS 368. Following discharge in 1946, he was awarded the Bronze Star for action in Borneo.

Before serving overseas, he married Betty Ellen Shilliam on July 2, 1943, they then settled in Platteville. After serving as office manager for Inland Lead & Zinc in Livingston, and Iowa Foods of Guttenburg, IA, he joined as partner with Roy Shilliam in the Shilliam Feed Mill. In 1961, Charles built and operated Drago Milling & Supply in Platteville, serving the farming community until 1977.

Following retirement Charles and Betty moved to Conover, WI where he served as Zoning Officer for 10 years. They spent the winters in Mesa, AZ for 16 years. Returning back to Platteville in 1987; he enjoyed life spending time at the Platteville Senior Center, as well as, playing cards, especially cribbage, and golfing. One of Charles' favorite pass times was watching the Milwaukee Brewers. As a youngster, he would see the Milwaukee baseball team play by peeking through the fence at the stadium in Milwaukee.

Charles spent several rewarding years on the Platteville School Board and Chamber of Commerce, in several capacities. He was a member of the Rotary Club and was the recipient of a Rotarian of the Year award. Charles also was a member of American Legion Post 42; treasurer of Platteville Golf & Country Club, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Charles and Betty were blessed with three wonderful children Carol Brugger of Platteville; Donald (Marie) Drago of San Antonio, TX; Charlene Grunwaldt of Naples, FL; three surviving grandsons, Michael (Rose) Brugger, Joe (Deborah) Brugger, Scott (Linda) Brugger; eight great-grandsons, Mark and Travis Brugger; Brandon, Jeremy, Derek, and Tyson Riechers; Michael and Ethan Thompson; two great-great-grandsons, Chase and Tyran Riechers; sister-in-law, Barbara Enders.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty, who passed away on December 31, 2001; his parents; two sons-in-law, David Grunwaldt and David Brugger; daughter-in-law, Janie Jo (Scott) Drago; grandson, Mark Brugger; brother-in-law, William J. Enders.

Charles was a member of the United Methodist Church, Platteville.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Chapel military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Senior Citizens Association, 55 S. Court St., Platteville, WI 53818. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.