Bernard C. Drenge

Dregne, Bernard C. MIDDLETON Bernard C. Dregne, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. He was born on Jan. 11, 1915, in rural Vernon County to Solfest C. and Christine (Yttre) Dregne. Bernard attended grade school in rural Vernon County, graduated from Viroqua High School in 1932 and from the University of Wisconsin in 1940 with a degree in agricultural education. Upon graduation he was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Medford. At the beginning of World War II he entered the Army and was trained in flight control at a Royal Air force Base in Watchfield, England. He served in the Army until 1946 as a flight control officer with the 44th Bomber Group reaching the rank of 1st lieutenant. Returning from military service he resumed employment with the U. S. Department of Agriculture (Farmers Home Administration) as county supervisor in Baldwin, Lancaster, Viroqua, Dodgeville and the State office in Madison. He was united in marriage to Miriam Antilla on June 9, 1950. After retiring in 1979 he spent time working at his small Vernon County farm, volunteered as a tax aid and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels for many years for the Middleton Senior Center. He was a faithful Badgers fan. Bernard was a NARFE (National Association fo Retired Federal Employees) member since retirement. Bernard is survived by his wife, Miriam; daughters, Mary (Michael) McKenna and Barbara (Wayne) Wahler; grandchildren, Patrick, Christine (Scott Hoebel), Nicholas and Derek; sister, Margery (Conrad) Solverson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Sylvan and Cal Irwin Dregne, and Cachel Fredlund. Memorial services will be held at ST. LUKES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2008, with the Rev. Katya Ouchakof presiding. Inurnment will be in the Viroqua Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to Cancer Research, St. Lukes Lutheran Church or to the donors choice.