Vernon F. "Vern" Drape

MOUNT HOREB - Vernon Frederick Drape, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. He was born on Nov. 12, 1931, in Bremer County, Iowa, son of Ruben and Edna (Krueger) Drape. He was raised on the Drape homestead and spent his childhood learning the farm trade from his parents and working with his brothers.

Vern served in the U.S. Navy for three years, 11 months, and 12 days, working as an Aircraft Radio Electrician during the Korean Conflict. He was part of the VP-49 Seaplane Squadron stationed in Bermuda. After the Navy, he worked for AC Sparkplug (General Motors) in Milwaukee and was sent to England to work on the Apollo Space Program for four years, allowing him to travel the world without getting in too much trouble (BB = Before Betty). Upon his return to Milwaukee in 1963, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Bergemann, and they were married on Aug. 19, 1967.

Looking to transition to a new career, he attended classes at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Marquette University, before deciding to pursue a career in “sales.” At that time, his father-in-law, “Bergie” Bergemann, suggested that if he wanted to sell something, insurance was something that could really help people. In 1971, the family moved to Mount Horeb, Wis., where Vern started his 30-year career selling insurance for American Family. His hard work earned him 25 consecutive All-Americans and he retired as part of the American Family Hall of Fame. He loved working, which allowed him the opportunity to buy his own land in 1980. Working at “the farm” became one of his greatest pastimes. Vern was also greatly involved in the community. He was a Lion for over 50 years and loved seeing everyone while volunteering at the bingo tent. He also loved spending time with other friends playing cards and studying stocks. He was a man of great integrity that valued family, friends, faith, and being a good steward of his community and the land.

Vern is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Drape; sons, Robert (Kristie Pulvermacher) and Jeffrey; brother, David (Phoebe); sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Barbara Riege; nieces, Suanne (Lee) Schweer and Melanie (Nick) Ladine; nephews, Dennis (Pam), Charlie (Kelli), Doug (Kim), Chris (Chrissie), Tom (Nancy), Brian (Cassie) Gorman and Dan (Jessie) Gorman; and grandchildren, Jacqueline and Aidan.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Edna; and two brothers, Eugene and Allan.

A memorial service will be held at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, with Pastor John Twiton presiding at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Vern’s name to Mount Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church or Neighbors Helping Neighbors (www.mthorebneighbors.org/donate). Sincere thanks to the nurses, nursing assistants and doctors at the University Hospital TLC ICU and Trauma Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077