Ardella Royona Draheim

ARDELLA ROYONA (HECHT) DRAHEIM, age 98, of Owatonna, formerly of Waseca, died Monday, August 12, 2024, at Traditions of Owatonna. 

Ardella was born on October 16, 1925, in Faribault. She was the daughter of Roy and Esther (Kanne) Hecht. Ardella attended country school in rural Waseca. She moved in with relatives living in Granite Falls to attend high school, 9th – 12th grade. Following high school, she attended Mankato State Teachers College, where she earned her teaching certificate. She worked as a teacher at the White Earth Indian Reservation, and in Mantorville and Excelsior. On July 8, 1950, she married Archie Draheim. Together, they raised their four children and farmed in rural Waseca. Ardella continued her education at Mankato State College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She taught 5th grade in Waseca until her retirement in 1976. During retirement she enjoyed working with friends at a part-time job at Viking Woodcrafts. She was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, sewing, making cinnamon rolls, growing strawberries, fishing, reading, traveling and square dancing. 

She is survived by her children, Larry (Jan “Steffan”) Draheim, Paul (Cindy Higgins) Draheim, Daryl (Debbie “Nelson”) Draheim and Gail Myers; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and all five of her siblings. 

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Faith United Methodist Church in Waseca. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service at the church. Private interment will be held at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to the Waseca Area Senior Citizens Center in Ardella’s memory. 

1. Send Donations to:
2. Waseca Area Senior Citizens Center
3. 308 State St. N.
4. Waseca, MN 56093