John B. Draayer, 86, of Austin, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

John was born March 26, 1924 in Freeborn County in Hollandale, the son of Bert and Gertrude Draayer. John was the oldest of eight children. He was married to Arlene Cole on May 26, 1944. They had four children; she died on March 17th 1985. John loved the farm and garden; he also worked at Hormel Foods Corporation for 35 years. John married Doris Sistek in September of 1986. He was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

John was preceded in death by his first wife Arlene, grandson Travis and three brothers, Jim, Hein and Robert.

He is survived by wife Doris Sistek Draayer, Austin; sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Carolyn Draayer, Lee Summit, Mo., Kent and Kay Draayer, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Brian Erickson, Alexandria, Bev and Dave Nordby, Austin; step children, Nancy and Allan Wesely, Austin, Dan Sistek and friend Marion, Austin; 16 Grandchildren, nine Great Grandchildren, Brothers; Wilbur (Pat) Draayer, Hollandale, MN, Ray Draayer (friend Darlene), Albert Lea; sisters: Evelyn (Garret) Ravenhorst, Hollandale, Betty (Leonard) Boyson, Madison, Minn; Sisters-in-law; Bev (Wayne) Diereks, Albert Lea, Marvel (William) Biser, Alden, Minn, Shirley (Laverne) Anderson, Wabasha, Minn; Half brother and sisters, David, Susan, Carolyn, Gertie and Barb Draayer; and Nieces and Nephews

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Reverend Gene Leiter officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church for one hour before the service on Saturday. The family prefers memorials to the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice.