Eleanore “Ellie” Drage, age 91, of Bonduel, passed away peacefully in Green Bay just before midnight on Friday, March 27, 2026, on her youngest son Bart’s birthday as though she was quietly holding on until the day had passed following a short illness.

Ellie was born on July 25, 1934, in the town of Angelica, Shawano County, to the late Louis and Helen (Adler) Stanke. She graduated from Pulaski High School and on May 18, 1957, married the love of her life, Ronald Drage, in Bonduel. Together they built a life centered around faith, family and community.

Ellie’s faith was guiding light throughout her life. It was a big part of who she was, and she faithfully said her prayers each morning and night. Her strong belief carried her through life’s joys and challenges and was reflected in the love and kindness she showed to others.

Ellie devoted her early years to raising her children and being a constant presence in their lives. As a proud and dedicated “room mom” at St. Paul Lutheran School, she never missed an opportunity to volunteer or lend a helping hand. Later, she worked for many years at Vlasic Foods, where she formed lasting friendships, and also spent time caring for St. Paul Lutheran Church through her cleaning work.

She knew how to enjoy life. Wednesday were for bowling with “The Bowling Girls,” a group known just as much for their laughter and Halloween costumes as their scored. Ellie especially loved Halloween-dressing up, sharing laughs, and even pulling a few harmless pranks with her friends when someone was away.

Ellie and Ron were longtime Green Bay Packers season ticket holders since 1955, cheering on their team through the decades. She was also a proud Wisconsin Badgers fan and cherished attended the Rose Bowl in 2000. A loyal Milwaukee Brewer fan, Ellie loved going to games and cheering on her favorite player, Christian Yelich-who fittingly hit a game-winning home run on March 29, 2026, a moment that felt just a little extra special.

She and Ron also shared a love for polka dancing, especially to the music of the Jerry Voelker Polka Band. But more than anything, Ellie treasured time spent with her family. Whether it was a game, concert, or school event, she was always there to support us.

Ellie is lovingly survived by her children: Judy (Michael) Pedersen of Green Bay, Michael (Aurore) Drage of Green Bay, and Bart (Kim) Drage of De Pere; her 11 grandchildren: Stacey (fiancé, Greg), Jessica, Jon (Chelsea), Jesse (Mya), Dan (Sue), Derek, Anaïs, Juliette, Laila, Vincent, and Trisha (Zach); and nine great-grandchildren: Eleanore, Margot, Etta, Ella, Calvin, Amelia, Audrielle, Alexandra, and Luxen (“Blue Eyes”). She is also survived by her sister, Mary Hodkiewicz; brother, Louis Stanke; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Stanke, Karen Stanke, and Marlene Klevesahl; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald; her parents; and her siblings, Joseph Stanke, Frances “Fritz” Stanke, Johnny Stanke, Rosemary Lasecki and Florence Van Lanen.

A funeral service for Ellie will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Rev. Ryan Fehrman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of the service.

The family thanks Regan for his help around the house, Lizzy for her care as hairdresser and chauffeur, and Amy, a cleaning gal turned dear friend, for the visits Mom so enjoyed. A special thank you also to Rennes and Unity Hospice for their compassionate support.

Ellie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. She was truly one of a kind.