Ines Dragani, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the We Belong Senior Home in Plymouth.
Ines was born in Posen, Poland on February 5, 1943, to Erik and Ortrud (Slehde) Frobeen. Her family was heading west after leaving their home in Riga, Latvia to avoid the advance of the invading Russian army. They eventually reached what would become West Germany and subsequently emigrated to the United States in 1955 when Ines was thirteen. She graduated from Mishawaka High School with the class of 1961.
On July 10, 1965, Ines married Lieutenant Robert B. Dragani at St. Bavo’s church in Mishawaka.
Ines worked for Jefferson Elementary School for twenty-one years as a teacher’s aide before her retirement. She was known in the community as a woman who was KIND, loving, loyal and completely devoted to everything that she did throughout her life, especially when it came to taking care of her beloved family which she cherished. Ines was dedicated to the children she worked with at school and to her own children and grandchildren spending countless hours with them reading books, playing games, or simply holding them and loving them. Ines understood the importance of being content with the blessings that were bestowed upon her, she drew comfort and happiness from the little things in life.
As a young child in Germany, she was an excellent athlete, exceling in the sport of handball. As an adult in the United States, she continued to play tennis, softball and was a talented bowler. Ines enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing euchre with her friends and family, knitting, gardening and was an avid reader of books. She spent countless hours volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club in Plymouth and at the Knights of Columbus fish frys.
Ines is survived by her husband, Bob, and their children: Kristine (Thomas) Gorman of Chicago, IL, Robert (LeeAnne) Dragani of Plymouth, Patrick (Stephanie) Dragani of Milwaukee, WI, and Marie (Michael) Williams of Charleston, SC; her sixteen grandchildren: Robbie, Jack, Joey, Ben, Evie, Larry, Caroline, Grace, Tommy, KayLee, Elena, Owen, Francie, Mary Katherine, Patrick, and Rose; as well as her brother, Sven (Jill) Frobeen of Westerville, OH.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Peer Frobeen.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10am-12 pm. at St. Michael Church, 613 N. Center Street, Plymouth. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow with Fr. Fernando Jimenez officiating.
Burial will follow in the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Plymouth.
Denny & Francie says
Our deepest sympathies…rest in peace Ines.
Donna Burroughs says
Ines was a devoted and kind woman. I had the pleasure of working with her at Jefferson. She worked wonders with children there.
Siro Derrer-Brooks says
Ines was Very, very dear friend of mine and my husband Richard’s also,
We became friends through Double R Bar Angus Sale, we had some Angus heifers included their Sales.
Ines and Bob put on some wonderful Sale Events. I met Ines the first sale and we became instant friends. We both had so many things in comment: just as she was from Germany and I am from Finland . We always had great friendship, which I will never forget it❤️🩹.
Ines came visit her daughter and family in Zionsville and visited my Boutique there.
My husband Richard and I became great friends with her husband Bob also. I was honored to be Ines’s friend and so was Richard.
Ines, I will miss you greatly, our love, prayers and condolences are with Bob and family.
Les Craft says
My most sincere condolences to you Bob . I am very sorry to hear that Ines passed. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Regards, Les Craft
Sarah Young says
I would like to wish Bob and all of the Dragani family my sincere condolences. What a special woman she was.
Sincerely, Sarah Young
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Truly a beautiful lady.
Our sincere sympathy,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Shane and Maggi Hendricks says
Our deepest condolences to the Dragani at this time of loss.
Ginny and Dave Gibson says
Ines was a good friend and we played a lot of tennis together. She was the glue that shaped her wonderful family. We will miss you, Ines.
Pam Barry says
So sorry to hear. May you feel God’s peace and comfort during this time.
Tom Andrea says
Dear Bob and Family.
I was saddened when I read of Mrs. Dragani. I remember her as a kind, gracious, and beautiful lady.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I hope this finds you all in good health and spirits at this most trying time.
I still have fond memories of the night we went to the Kenny G concert.
God Bless.
Tom Andrea
Ron Coverdale says
I would like to express our condolences to Bob and Rob and your family. So sorry for your loss. The Coverdales
Jim and Cathy Phend says
I am saddened to hear of Ines’s passing. I worked with her for many years while subbing at Jefferson. Always a kind, caring friend. Occasionally we’d run into each other at a store and loved catching up. She will always be remembered for the kind, beautiful woman she was.
Lori and Chuck Kelly says
Rob: Sending condolences and sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Shirley Gidley says
Sorry about Inez. So enjoyed working with her many years ago at Jefferson. Such a caring lady with the children
God Bless her! My sympathy to the family
Joe and Marcia Kelly says
Rob. Please accept our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jodi Eveland says
To Marie and family,
So many fun memories growing up with your mom. She would often keep me up-to-date on how you were doing. Lifting you all up in prayer. She was a great lady. Hugs!
Jodi Hilliard Eveland
Tom & Sue Jamriska says
Our deepest sympathies to Bob and the entire Dragani family on your loss. Ines was a very kind person and our three children have nothing but many fond memories of her during their times at Jefferson.
J Randy Bush says
Please accept my sincere condolences for your entire family. We will keep you in our prayers in this time of loss.
Chris Williams says
From Chris Daisy, Charlotte and Abbie, we send much love and sympathy. ❤️
Wayne & Diana England says
Rob, LeeAnne and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother and
Grandmother. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
DiAnn Houin says
Bob & family,
I am so sorry, of Ines’s passing. She was one amazing woman. I loved her, so! I always looked forward to coffee & pie, with her and others, joining us.
I enjoyed working with her, immensly, @ Jefferson Elemetary. Lots of memories!
R.I.P., my friend!
May God go with you, Bob & the children.
DiAnn Houin
Barb Lowry says
Our sympathy and prayers to the entire Dragani family for your loss of such a beautiful, caring lady. The world is a better place because of her.
Barb & Bub Lowry
Mrs. Erinosho says
To our sweet and loving Ms. Gorman! I am so sorry for your lost. It is well with you and the rest of the family your beautiful mum left behind. The Lord will grant you fortitude to bear this great loss, and the host of heaven will comfort you all. My student and I love and appreciate you. Please accept our condolences.
Dick Hanselman says
So very sorry for your loss. Bob and family my prayers are with you
God bless