Horst U. Draeger, 90

March 25, 2024

Horst U. Draeger 90, of Lancaster passed away peacefully March 25,2024. Horst was born in Berlin Germany. He graduated from High School, top of his class, in Landshut, Germany. While in Landshut, he met the love of his life, who just happened to be the girl next door. Horst and Ursula were married in 1956.

Prior to immigrating to the United States, he worked as a car salesman. Shortly after coming to America, he joined the US Army, he served as military police and earned the rank of (SP4) Corporal. After his military service, he and his wife settled in Lititz and established the Draeger Delicatessen, selling German specialties. They raised their family in Lititz. He later started his own Machine shop, D&S Machine Company, which he owned for 20 years.

He was a dedicated member of the Lancaster Liederkranz for 57 years. He supported the organization in many roles, inspiring others in the perpetuation of the German heritage through language, song, and dance. He served as president of the club, was a founding member of the Hobby Chor, and sang in the chorus for 35 years. He and his wife, along with family and friends always enjoyed attending club events, especially dances and sharing these traditions with his children and grandchildren. He was recognized for his services and dedication as an honorary member of the Lancaster Liederkranz.

He and his wife also spent 14 years in Idaho where he was an active member of the German American Edelweiss Club and served as President and Board member for several years. He built many relationships there and enjoyed the time spent in Meridian before moving back to Lancaster in 2019.

In addition to sharing and perpetuating the German culture, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a passion for collecting H0 trains, and even built a display. His train layout was a 70-year labor of love. He also was an avid stamp collector, creating an international stamp collection, a lifelong hobby that he and his wife shared. When at home, he enjoyed building, and tinkering in his garage. He will be remembered for his warm and welcoming smile, quick wit, and sense of humor. He had a sharp mind and was good with his hands, sharing the skills of carpentry, mechanics, and electrical work with his son.

He is survived by his loving wife Ursula (Hoffmann) Draeger, his children (Birgit) Patricia “Trish” wife of Ken Trader; Ralph Draeger husband of Theresa; Sigrid wife of Rick Lazarz and Karin wife of Scott Weber; 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Heidi (Draeger) Beck and Erwin Draeger. Horst’s parents preceded him in death. Alice and Erwin Dreager. He is also preceded in death by his brother Detlef Draeger and Anke Draeger Kunz.

A funeral service will be held April 13, 2024, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, at 11am with a visitation held prior beginning at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Liederkranz Chorus at www.lancasterliederkranz.com. Horst will be laid to rest on April 15, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery

He will be missed dearly and will forever live on in our hearts as the patriarch of our family and inspiring a family legacy.