Dorothy M. (Erxleben) Droege, 91, of Decatur, passed away at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 at her residence. She was born on February 16, 1920 in Adams County, Indiana to Henry C. and Alma (Eickhoff) Miller who are both deceased. She was baptized on February 22, 1920 at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim by Rev. C.B. Preuss. She was confirmed on March 25, 1934 at Friedheim also by Rev. C.B. Preuss. Dorothy met Arnold Erxleben and they were married on June 29, 1941 at Friedheim and he passed away on June 4, 1978. Following Arnolds death, she met Walter H. Droege and they were married on November 4, 1989 at Friedheim and he passed away on March 7, 2001. Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church " Friedheim where she was involved as a member of the Tabea Society (Ladies Aid) of the church where she was a longtime chairwoman. In her community, she was also involved with the Preble Sunny Circle Home Economics Club for many years. Dorothy enjoyed hand sewing and making quilts. She also enjoyed the time she spent traveling and being with her family. Dorothy was a homemaker who raised her family along with her husband, Arnold. Dorothy is survived by a daughter: Diane (Jerry) Howard of New Berlin, New York; son: Gary (Sue) Erxleben of Sarasota, Florida; son: Dennis Erxleben of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter: Marsha (Tom) Schraffenberger of Batavia, Ohio; son: Wayne Erxleben of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; brother: Ben F. (Norma) Miller of Decatur, Indiana; sister-in-law: Lorine Hoffman of Decatur, Indiana and 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, with a 10:15 a.m. Prayer Service being held at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the Zion Lutheran Church " Friedheim with Pastor Daniel Dahling officiating. Following the services, burial will follow in the Friedheim Cemetery. Friends and family will be received on Monday, October 17, 2011, from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and from 9:30 until the prayer service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials in honor of Dorothy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church - Friedheim or Donors Choice.
