1947
2020
William J. Drennen
1947 - 2020
William J. Drennen, age 73, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Froedtert South- Kenosha Medical Center.
Born in Waukegan on September 10, 1947, he was the son of the late Wayne and Mary (Hibel) Drennen. He attended local schools and graduated from Waukegan High School. He furthered his education with an Associate's Degree in Business from the College of Lake County.
From 1965-1969, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He was employed for over 30 years in a civil service capacity with the U.S. Government. Most of his employment was with the Great Lakes Recruit Training Center, but he and Pat did spend over 5 years in the Far East ('97-'02) where he was hired as Director of Transportation and was based out of Yokosuka, Japan. He was responsible for all 7 of the United States naval and naval air stations throughout the entire country. He returned to Great Lakes where he finished out his service retiring in 2003. He was honored with a multitude of awards, medals and commendations, but his final in 2002 was Transportation Director of the Year for all Naval facilities internationally for his services in the Japan Region.
He and his wife Pat spent 35 wonderful years together which brought Bill to Kenosha in 1989.
Bill was hard-working and a Jack-of-all-trades. There was nothing he couldn't do. He enjoyed golf, woodworking, attending classic car shows and especially traveling. His favorites were Ireland and Hawaii, but he was happy to go anywhere Pattie dragged him. Bill was quiet, funny, was ALWAYS there to lend a hand and a perfectionist to an annoying degree. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Jennifer Drennen; two grandchildren, Storm and Nicholas Drennen. By his brother-in-law, Tim Dinan and his sisters-in-law, Beth and Kathy Dinan.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by three brothers, Jack, Tom and Paul Drennen.
Funeral services honoring Bill's life will be held at a later date. Memorial remembrances can be made in Bill's honor to Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 and would be appreciated by the family.
Piasecki Funeral Home & Cremation Services
3720 39th Avenue 262-658-4101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ken Blackett
December 26, 2020
Pat, so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. Bill was a true professional in the Transportation World. I have fond memories of our many business trips throughout Japan. He had a great sense of humor and was a good soul. I loved working with Bill. Jutta and I enjoyed our time together with Bill and you. Again our deep sympathies on your family´s loss. Ken & Jutta Blackett
Jerry s Sears
December 8, 2020
Patti,
I'm very sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Bill and I served in the Army together. He was a great friend. Have lots of fond memories of Bill in Vietnam and Fort Sill. Bill could make things fun under the worse circumstances. We have lost a good one.
Cindy Carty
December 7, 2020
Pat and family: The forever Yokosuka memories will live on in all of us who met and worked with Bill and you. 1994-6/2000 my HRO & then PWC, YOKOSUKA timeline included your friendships. Our golfing; Karaoke silliness; after hour BBQs; Happiest Hours; and, all that goes on in and around a military base filled with forever friends. Loved our time and friendship and am still truly devastated we lost Bill this way. Your best of times ending WAY too soon.
Tommy Shrader
November 24, 2020
Saddened by this news. Bill was a superstar.
Often think of our Shirakawa excursions.
Charlie and Sandy Grant.
November 23, 2020
pat, we are so sorry to hear about Bills passing and our sincere condolences to you and all of the family. May he Rest In Peace
Phylly
November 22, 2020
You have my sympathy Pattie, Jenni, and the rest of the family. All my memories of you are etched in gold. I'll always remember the trip to Japan, golfing with you and the gang, the Christmas parties, and all the rest of the good times. RIP
Joe and Nancy Matelski
November 22, 2020
Pattie, please accept our sincere condolences over the loss of your husband Bill. We are saddened by his loss, but, grateful for having gotten the chance to know him over the years. Our love and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult and challenging time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more