Vicki Elaine (Drake) Pelletier, 71, of Parker, Colorado, formerly of Humboldt, Nebraska, was born November 25, 1954, to Wayne and Ruth (Schacht) Drake. She attended school in Humboldt and graduated with the Class of 1973. Following graduation, Vicki attended Patricia Stevens College of Fashion Design & Business in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned an associate degree in 1974. She began her professional career as a buyer for Hovland Swanson in Lincoln, Nebraska, before enlisting in the United States Army. What began as military service evolved into a distinguished lifelong career in United States Army. Vicki devoted her entire adult professional life to serving her country through highly confidential work. The nature of her assignments required complete discretion, and she faithfully honored that responsibility throughout her life. Her assignments took her throughout the world, exposing her to a variety of cultures, people, and experiences. Her final military assignment was in Columbia, Maryland, where she served with the National Security Agency until her honorable discharge.
Following her military retirement, Vicki continued her professional career in the private sector. Her work eventually brought her to Parker, Colorado, where she made her home and continued to enjoy the friendships and community she built there. Outside of her work, Vicki enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching sports of all kinds, whether cheering on high school athletes, following college rivalries, or watching professional teams on television. Vicki returned home a couple times a year to catch up with her family and enjoy the holiday seasons, Christmas being her favorite. She also enjoyed attending concerts with friends in Colorado, creating memories through music and companionship.
Despite her travels and demanding career, family remained at the center of Vicki’s life. As the oldest sibling, she was always keeping tabs on her younger brothers and stayed involved in their lives. She took great pride in watching her three nephews grow into wonderful, caring men and enjoyed following their accomplishments through the years. The relationship she cherished most was with her mother, Ruth. Their frequent phone conversations became a treasured routine and a source of comfort, laughter, and unwavering love, regardless of the miles between them.
Vicki was a private person who never sought recognition for her many accomplishments. She valued her independence, treasured family and friendships, and lived according to principles of integrity, loyalty, and service. While much of her life’s work will remain untold, her dedication to protecting and serving her nation stands as a lasting testament to her character.
Vicki passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Parker, Colorado, having reached the earthly age of seventy-one years, seven months, and thirteen days. She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Drake; and her grandparents, Elmer and Viola Schacht, and Lale and Blanche Drake.
Vicki is survived by her mother, Ruth Drake of Humboldt; brothers: Leslie Drake and wife Shari of Humboldt Royce Drake and special friend, Shelly Meyer, of Lincoln, NE; nephews: William Drake and fiancée Jade Hill of Humboldt, NE; Carter Drake and Trey Drake of Falls City, NE; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Humboldt United Methodist Church with Pastor Harun Gatobu officiating. A livestream broadcast of Vicki’s service will be available on the Humboldt United Methodist Church Facebook page for those unable to attend. Interment will immediately follow services at the Humboldt Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Army Honor Guard and the Harvey-Mann Legion Post #269.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family for designation at a later date.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St.-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915