The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce a new endowed scholarship fund for nursing students. Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarships will be awarded to nursing students who have shown their commitment to a career in nursing by successfully completing at least one year in nursing school.
Wanda Lee Brackett Dailey Draeger graduated with the Class of 1957 from Fort Atkinson High School. She graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital nursing school in 1960. Wanda’s first nursing job was in labor and delivery at St. Luke’s and she never looked back. Wanda knew quickly that it was her calling to be an OB nurse.
Wanda helped deliver babies at Fort Memorial Hospital, Fort Atkinson, WI, from 1963 to her retirement in 2008, where she was recognized as one of the best. Wanda loved her nursing friends and colleagues, cherishing the experience of helping families in one of the greatest transitions in life. Her infectious smile, outrageous sense of humor, laughter, love and compassion were the keys to her success throughout 48 years of nursing. In retirement, she continued to work as a volunteer with Fort HealthCare Partners.
Wanda was a working mom raising three children with her husband, Roger, and a caring grandmother to seven grandsons and one granddaughter. After a brief battle with cancer, Wanda passed away on July 13, 2016. Her family created this scholarship to honor her memory as a nurse and mother. She would be thrilled to know that she is continuing to help fellow nurses.
Initial funding for the scholarship is being provided by Wanda’s family and the memorial contributions received from friends. The Draeger family is deeply appreciative for this generosity.
Friends, colleagues and families served by Wanda are welcome to make additional contributions to the Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarship fund. Contributions can be made to:
Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation
611 Sherman Avenue East
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Note: Include “Draeger Scholarship” in the memo line.
For more information or to give by credit card, visit the Foundation website at or contact the Foundation office at (920) 568-5404.