Doris Van DriestDoris Jane Van Driest, aged 90, died peacefully surrounded by family, on July 31, 2015 at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, WI following a brief struggle with pneumonia. Doris was born October 25, 1924 in Janesville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Roy O. and Harriet E. Gestland.She attended elementary school and high school in Elmhurst, Illinois and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a BA degree in Economics in 1946. Doris was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Psi chapter. Doris married the love of her life, Dr. John J. Van Driest in Madison, Wisconsin on December 22, 1945. John and Doris settled in Sheboygan focusing their lives around helping people, serving their community, and raising their family.Together they had four children; John P. Van Driest (Leah) of Franklin, Tennessee, Richard C. Van Driest (Teena) of Appleton, Linda Matthews (Bruce) of Sheboygan, Linda already holds a place in Heaven and Robert O. Van Driest of Florence, Montana. In addition to her four children, Doris also has seven grandchildren: John Van Driest (Mae) of Appleton, WI, Amy Auer (Blain), of Lausanne, Switzerland, Carey Van Driest of New York, NY, Martha Van Driest of Appleton, WI, Laurie Matthews of Omaha, NE, Lisa Papic (Jon) of Omaha, NE, and Kate Parker (Jon) of Wilmette, IL. She also has six great grandchildren: Jack, Camilla, Anna, Beth, Thomas, and Eva.She was passionate about selfless service and giving back to others?she was also a true connoisseur, and consumer, of dark chocolates : )Doris was a committed member of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ and member of the Deborah Circle; she served on the Church?s Board of Deacons and taught Sunday school for the 4th and 5th grades. She visited homebound church members as an active Visiting Committee participant.She was a member of the Auxiliary to the Sheboygan County Medical Society; she served on the Board of Directors for the Sheboygan YMCA and on the Board for the Sheboygan County Unit of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Her other ACS volunteer passions included the Reach to Recovery Program for breast cancer survivors and the Hospice/Agape program at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital.Doris had the opportunity to travel the world over the course of her life. Doris and John?s commitment to medical service in Viet Nam and their time in Germany while John served in the U.S. Army allowed for many cultural and varied adventures. One of her most enjoyable adventures was traveling (via motor home) to educational camps hosted by the National Wildlife Federation with each of their grandchildren upon their 10th birthdays. She enjoyed passing on her love of nature and taught them about plants and animals and various life lessons. Having the ability to know and bond with each child on a one-on-one basis was a cherished memory.The relationships Doris developed with people and families in Mazatlan, Mexico years ago have now grown into second and third generation friendships between her children and grandchildren and children and grandchildren of her Mexican friends. While she could not travel to Mexico in her later years, she spoke often of her extended family there.The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during the past several years to include the loving staff of Embrace Care Management, the Sheboygan Senior Community and the dedicated professionals of the St. Nicholas Hospital Team and Home Health & Hospice Team.Her family invites you to a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 310 Bluff Avenue in Sheboygan on August 22nd at 3:00 PM. Pastor James and Julia Hollister will officiate. A time of visitation will be held starting at 1:30 PM until the time of the service.Memorial donations may be made to the St. Nicholas Hospital Foundation/Home Health & Hospice, 3100 Superior Avenue, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081.Ballhorn Chapels of Sheboygan is handling funeral arrangements.
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