Pegi J. Drays

Pegi Drays (ne Gendrich) passed peacefully in her home with family by her side on April 30, 2024. Pegi faced her very sudden and brief battle with ovarian cancer with bravery, humility, and peace in her heart, knowing she would be with the Lord when it was time for her battle to end. Heaven gained a very special angel on this day.

Pegi was born on March 13, 1940 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin to Erwin (“Erv”) and Magdalene (“Maggie”) Gendrich, who were described by Pegi as “the best parents anyone could ask for”.  She had the same deep affection for her older sister, Marietta, who was also her best friend throughout life.  During her school years at Oconomowoc High School, Pegi excelled academically and was an honor roll student, cheerleader, and the Homecoming Queen for her graduating class. After graduation, Pegi attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Over the years, Pegi shared her talents with a local law firm and the Oconomowoc School District.

In 1968, Pegi married Robert (“Biff”) Drays, a beloved family man with a heart of gold who legally adopted her first two children, Bob and DeeDee. Pegi and Biff went on to grow their family with the birth of their sons Bryan and David. From that point forward there was nonstop sports talk at the dinner table for decades to come.  Throughout her entire life, Pegi’s children, her daughters-in law, and her grandchildren were her world. Nothing brought her more joy than her family. 

Pegi was active up to the very end. As she believed, “If you rest, you rust”. She was selfless, loved cooking, baking, and knitting for others. She never showed up empty handed; always willing to drive anyone to church, doctor appointments, and caring for other’s pets. 

Pegi’s three surviving children each had their own special bond with their mom and will miss her and cherish her for those unique connections. DeeDee will miss talking to her mom about her solo trips to Indonesia to save street dogs and giving her weekly progress updates about dog rescues around the world, and asking for her mom’s prayers when they were desperately needed. Pegi’s strong compassion for all animals will continue to live on through her daughter. Bryan will miss his hour-long phone calls he received from her after every Packer, Brewers, and Bucks game to talk about the highlights of the game. He will think of her and smile every time he watches one of their favorite teams play. David has always been inspired by her faith, love for family and friends. 

Special thanks to Rainbow Community Care for making it possible for Pegi to pass in her home, with cherished one’s present.

Pegi is survived by: children DeeDee Drays, Bryan (Cindy) Drays, and David (Christa) Drays; grandchildren Breckon Hill, Revson Hill, Brady Drays, Brittany Drays, and Blake Drays; and nephews Mike (Joyce) Draeger and Jeff Draeger. 

Pegi is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Robert Drays, and sister Marietta (Gene) Draeger. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pegi’s name to the Watertown Humane Society (920-261-1270 – 418 Water Tower Ct. Watertown, WI 53094 whsadopt.org) or the Green Lakes Area Animal Shelter (920-294-3042 - N6217 Busse Dr. Green Lake, WI 54941 glaas.org).

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Watertown with Rev. David Groth presiding. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church.