Obituary

Dr. Wayne R. Dralle, age 83, passed away in Bellingham on May 5, 2017. He was born on March 1, 1934 to Clarence & Hulda (Johnson) Dralle, in Presho, SD. As one of 14 children growing up on the farm in SD, Wayne learned at an early age how to work hard. He carried this strong work ethic through his whole life.

When he was 12, the family moved to Bellingham, WA. After graduating from Bellingham High in 1952, Wayne served in The Army Signal Corp for Alaska Communications in both Anchorage & Nome, AK. In 1959 he earned a BA in Education at WWU and went on to teaching Middle School in Lynden, WA. Wayne completed his Master’s of Science & Education at Indiana University in 1962, and in 1964 he finished his Doctorate of Education also at IU, where he was a member of The Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education fraternity. Wayne had a distinguished career in education which included working for the Oregon State System of Higher Education Teaching Research Division in Manmouth, OR, serving as the Director of Educational Media at The University of Alberta in Edmonton, working on staff at Oregon Western University, and serving as the Director of Learning Resources for Public Schools in Olympia, WA. In 1973 Wayne returned to Bellingham to work for Bellingham Public Schools. He retired in 1996 as the Librarian at Fairhaven Middle School.

Wayne married Sharon Leaf in 1956. Together they had 3 children; daughter Lynn Dralle, son Lee Dralle and daughter Kristin Dralle. In 1995 he married his current wife Susan Grenier. Sue’s daughters are Rita Blair and Renae Ingraham.

Wayne, aka “Papa” was loved by all who knew him. As the ultimate prankster and king of the one liner, he could have anyone in stitches moments after meeting them. He was skilled in the art of conversation and excelled at making anyone feel special. Wayne enjoyed time on the water spending countless hours with the Bellingham Yacht Club sailing race committee. He also loved spending time at Birch Bay and crabbing. He loved following sports, particularly The Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders and Gonzaga University Men’s Basketball. Wayne’s greatest passion was his family, especially his 8 grandkids. He always looked forward to attending their extra-curricular activities. He loved ice cream and enjoyed taking the grandkids to Dairy Queen for banana splits.

Wayne is predeceased by his daughter, Kristin Dralle (2012), siblings, Marjorie Haynes, Marian Kirschenman, Betty Glasscock, Carol Ashwell, Ardyce Schroeder. Harold Dralle, Earl Dralle and Paul Dralle.

Wayne is survived by; wife Sue Dralle nee Grenier, daughter Lynn Dralle, grandson Houston Wilson, granddaughter Indiana Wilson, son Lee Dralle, grandsons Zachary & Kyle Hogue (children of Kristin Dralle) and their father, John Hogue, Sue’s daughter Rita Blair(Jeff), grandson Josh, granddaughter Kate, Sue’s daughter Renae Ingraham(Paul), grandsons Cole & Nate, brothers Rusty Dralle, Milo Dralle(Pat), Al Dralle (Carol), sisters Amy Duffield & Janice McCaffery.

Wayne’s family would like to acknowledge Cancer Care Center of Bellingham–Teresa, Cancer Care Co-ordinator & Whatcom Hospice; special Hospice thankyous–Pastor Cheryl, Nurses Lynn, Amy & Eric, Deb, Ann, Nancy & staff. Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 12, 2017 at 1:00pm at The First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 2401 Cornwall Ave. Reception to follow. Memorial Donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice.