Rita J. Dreger, age 85, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2011, after a battle with cancer. She resided with her nephew, Steve Mikle and his wife Beth, in Marinette, for the past three years.
She was born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on October 2, 1925, daughter of the late Henry and Josephine (Heldman) Bongle. Rita had lived in Merrill for 62 years. She married Victor Jaeger who preceded her in death in 1971. She then married Ralph Dreger in May of 1973, and he preceded her in death on May 29, 2007. Rita was a homemaker. She enjoyed bowling and is a member of the Merrill Bowling Hall of Fame. She also enjoyed playing cribbage and watching the Green Bay Packers. Rita Jo held a special place in her heart for her many good friends in Merrill.
Survivors include her sister Ruby (Donald) Mikle, Fond du Lac; one brother, Domingo (Rosemary) Bongle, Luxemburg; and nieces and nephews. Rita is preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Raymond, and Marvin.
The funeral will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com