Nadyne F. Draper, 79
Nadyne F. Draper, 79, passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born in Caney, Kan., Aug. 10, 1928, to Minnie J. and Kenneth Fleming.
She began her teaching career in Kansas City, Kan., teaching elementary school for several years. While in Kansas, Nadyne enjoyed playing the flute and piano, during her high school and college days, in various ensembles as well as her own family group, including her sister and brother. Having been the daughter of a gifted piano teacher, music remained a large part of Nadyne's life. A piano was a mainstay in her classroom.
While working summers in Estes Park, Colo., Nadyne fell in love with the mountains. The lure of Mount McKinley brought her north to Alaska in 1955. Her first trip north took three days via plane, stopping in communities along the Alaska Panhandle to reach her final destination.
She began teaching first grade and kindergarten in Fairbanks. Her first winter, she met Harold 'Hal' Draper, her future husband. They married the next year. Following a break to earn their masters degrees from San Jose State in 1959, Hal and Nadyne returned to Fairbanks where Nadyne taught at Denali, Hunter and Nordale schools, retiring in 1983. Nadyne thoroughly enjoyed teaching more than 1,300 students throughout her career in Fairbanks. Nothing pleased her more than receiving updates of former student's achievements.
Always the adventurist, Nadyne loved to travel. Her first trip abroad was to Europe in 1954 where she and a friend rode bicycles through the war torn countryside. Nadyne traveled over the Alaska Highway more than 30 times, many were during the ALCAN road construction. One trip could take anywhere from four days to two weeks.
Her travels took her through most of the 50 states, as well as to Germany, England, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Her travels also took her throughout Alaska and Canada as a curler. She introduced Hal to curling, her favorite winter pastime; they curled together for more than 40 years. Nadyne called Fairbanks home, but treasured her time at Lake Minchumina, Alaska. She enjoyed hiking the trails of Montana's Glacier Park near their home in Lakeside, where they moved in 2000.
Nadyne is survived by Hal, her husband of 51 years, of Lakeside; sister, Annie Howe, of New Hampshire; and brother, August Fleming, of Indiana; her son, Charles; daughter, Tobi; son-in-law Patrick Campanella; grandchildren, Cori and Christopher; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and her extended teaching family.
The family would like to thank everyone at the Immanuel Lutheran Home for their wonderful care. A memorial service in Lakeside is planned for this spring.
Memorials may be sent to the Bratsberg Wing of Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901.