Steven J. Drager's Obituary
Steven J. Drager, a lifelong resident of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was called home on August 26, 2025, far too young, at the age of 70. Steve was full of life, quick with a joke, and always eager to lend a helping hand. He was the best son, father, husband, grampa, great-grampa, brother, uncle, friend and will be forever remembered. Born on March 3, 1955, in Oshkosh, Steve was the son of Erwin Drager and Mary Drager Laatsch. He attended St. Vincent's Grade School and graduated from Lourdes Academy. After a short friendship, Steve asked Barbara on a date and the rest was history; they were married on March 14, 1980 at Sacred Heart church. They welcomed Andrew in 1980 followed by Bryan in 1984. With a mutual love of Disney, they traveled to Disney World annually while the boys were young and made countless memories. Barbie and Steve celebrated 45 years married in March, a true example of unwavering love.
Steve devoted 33 years of his professional life to Oshkosh Truck before retiring in 2015. Steve loved to travel and this was a priority for him and Barbie in retirement. They went on countless vacations, cruises, and even became "snow birds," wintering to their home in Florida. The Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Alaska were definitely high points. Steve was the best at planning vacations; finding the best excursions, destinations, and deals. When not on vacation, Steve could often be found on the golf course; he truly loved the game. When the days grew cooler, he switched to church basement dartball. He spent many of his younger years bowling and playing men's league softball. Steve was inducted into the Oshkosh Bowling Hall Of Fame in 2005 and the Oshkosh Softball Hall of Fame in 2018. He loved being present for his kids' and grandkids' events too, always their biggest fan! Speaking of cheering, Steve was a loyal fan to his beloved Wisconsin teams, especially the Green Bay Packers.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Barbara Drager; sons Andrew Drager and Bryan (Stephanie) Drager; grandchildren Phoenix Drager, Willow (Mark) Drager, Keanan Drager, Nolan Drager, Adeline Drager, and Elouise Drager; great-grandson Theo Sultze; sister Judith (Bob) Stueber, several nieces and nephews, and many friends he loved like family. He was preceded in death by his father Erwin Drager; mother Mary Drager Laatsch; stepfather Raymond Laatsch; father-in-law Donald Sieger; mother-in-law Mary Ann Sieger; brother Mike Drager; sister Patricia Penzenstadler; and brother-in-law Chuck Penzenstadler. We are forever grateful to the care Steve received while at Aurora Hospital of Oshkosh, both in the ICU and the ER. His doctors and nurses fought just as hard as Steve did to help him regain his health. During a memory check, when asked why he was at Aurora, Steve responded, "TO LIVE!" The kindness and love shown by you all will never be forgotten.
A visitation and sharing memories will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Fiss & Bills Poklasny Funeral Home 865 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. There will be a Celebration of Life for Steve at a later time this year.
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