Keith "Skip" William Van Driest

Keith “Skip” William Van Driest, 74, of Oostburg, took his last trip on Saturday, June 24 at Aurora Memorial Medical Center with family at his side.

Skip was born on May 29, 1949, to Ellsworth and Ruth (Herrbold) Van Driest. He graduated from Oostburg High School in 1967 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On February 27, 1971, he married Carol (Oppeneer).

He owned and operated Van’s Foods in Sheboygan before finding his passion in corporate aviation. He was a contract pilot for numerous businesses, then was employed by Green Bay Packaging for 25 years until his retirement as chief pilot.

Skip made the most of his retirement, trading the yoke of a jet for the steering wheel of an RV, and hitting all four corners of the country. He and his wife loved living the snowbird lifestyle in Florida, and he enjoyed the impromptu gatherings with neighbors, always ready with a lawn chair in hand. He made countless friends throughout the country, who will miss his sharp sense of humor and his signature Manhattans. A Walt Disney World annual passholder until the end, he cherished his many trips to the parks, making memories with his family.

Skip is survived by his wife Carol, and daughters Allison (Bill) McKeone of Sheboygan, WI and Lindsey of Amsterdam, Netherlands, and grandsons Beckett and Quinlan McKeone.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Hopeman, parents, parents-in-law Eugene and Verna Oppeneer, as well as his partner in crime and beloved dog, Sophie.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Kun Xiao, and the staff at Aurora Memorial Medical Center’s Critical Care Unit, especially Jodie, for their kind and compassionate care and comfort given to Skip and the family.

As per Skip’s request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. A memorial fund is being established in his name for the Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park. https://kohlerandraefriends.org/donate-2/

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Skip’s family with arrangements. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.