Drachenberg, Elaine E. (Anding)

Elaine E. (Anding) Drachenberg, 80, of Arena passed away on Wednesday, January 28th after an extended illness.

Elaine was born on April 25, 1945 to Arthur and Lorraine (Guell) Anding.  She was in the first graduating class of River Valley High School in 1963.  She married Ronald Drachenberg in 1963. In addition to being a farm wife she worked for many years as a school secretary, first at Arena Elementary and then at River Valley High School.  She was a long time Town of Arena clerk and treasurer and volunteered at church and for many community organizations. While Ron was alive, she enjoyed traveling and spending time at their home on Lake Wisconsin.  After Ron died 21 years ago, she retired and spent time on her various “cults” such as quilting and stamping. Elaine was an exceptional Grandmother.  All five of the Drachenberg grandchildren, for an extended period of time in their lives, rode their bikes or walked the half mile to her house on an almost daily basis.  They were greeted with love, cookies, games, movies, tv, a listening ear and wisdom. She loved attending anything they were involved in and prayed for them always. 

Elaine is survived by her three sons, Eric (Jan), Dale (Tara) and Thad; grandchildren, Luke (Ellie) Drachenberg, Lauren (Raul) Drachenberg, Lindsey (Ben) Laube, Leah and Caleb Drachenberg, Katlynn (Shane) Warder; great grandchildren, Barrett Warder and Lucy Elaine Drachenberg.  She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Shirley Anding; brother-in-law, Robert (Dixie) Drachenberg and sister-in-law, Ruthe Rock as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald; sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Doug Slinger and brother Carl Anding. 

The family would like to thank Greenway Terrace for the exceptional care provided to Mom during her four years there.  She also made many friends while there. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Spring Green Community Church. Pastor Kendall Harger will officiate with burial in the Arena Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the church from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mission Impact in Guatemala where Ron and Elaine both helped build a school in 2004. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com