Grace Ruth Drabandt

Mrs. Grace Ruth Drabandt (née Wandrey) died peacefully in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on April 18, 2017 at the age of 96 years.

 Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Lydia Maria (Gohr) and Henry Rudolph Wandrey; her husband, Edward Otto Drabandt of St. Cloud, Florida and her brother Warren Henry Wandrey of Grand Rapids, MI.  She is survived by her children, Dale Drabandt, Oshkosh, WI; Janet Kinner, Niceville, FL, Donna Snodgrass, Marietta, GA; Joy Wallin, Trinity, TX; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Grace was born on March 30, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Morton High School in 1939.  She married Edward Otto Drabandt, who she met through her cousin Robert Gohr in Berwyn, IL in 1942.  They lived in Berwyn, IL until 1953 when Edward built a home for them, with his own hands, in Lombard, IL.  She stayed at home and cared for their four children until they were able to fend for themselves then went to work for Chicago Bridge and Iron in Oakbrook, IL in 1960.   Her children most remember her as a kind, gentle and loving person who loved them for who they were and encouraged them to pursue a better education.  All three of her daughters have college and advanced degrees as Registered Nurses and her son has advanced finance degrees and also worked in healthcare administration.

Grace was accomplished at sewing and quilting and all of her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren have the quilts to prove it.  Grace was also famous (and infamous) for her Chinese Casserole and Liver Burgers and served them often to her family and friends. She was very involved in her church in St. Cloud and worked part time as it's secretary.  She also spent 16 years as a Pink Lady at St. Cloud Hospital and eventually became the president of the volunteers.  She was passionate about caring for people and making them happy.  She was the happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren who were the sunshine in her life.  Her unconditional love and caring for her family and friends will be most missed. 

A memorial service is being planned for a later date in Niceville Florida.  Please send any memorial donations to Grace Lutheran Church,  1123 Louisiana Ave, St Cloud, FL 34769 in her memory. The family would like to thank Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for their caring and compassionate staff who treated Grace with all the dignity and respect that she deserved.  She will be missed by anyone who knew her. We know that she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

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