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BORN
1926
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Lawrence Driessen Obituary
Lawrence G. Driessen, 89, of Appleton, was called home by his Lord and Savior at Cherry Meadows Hospice on Monday, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Lawrence was born on January, 16, 1926, to the late Peter and Nellie (Williamsen) Driessen. As a boy, Lawrence attended St. Johns Catholic School. Later in life, he attended the School of Ministry in Florida. Lawrence was also a member of the Christ for the Nations Bible School in Dallas, TX, and a member of the Chuck Colsan Prison Ministry.
On July 28, 1944, Lawrence entered the military as a PFC CO D, 63rd INF. He received the Purple Heart during WWII in the Philippines, surviving shrapnel wounds from a fragmentary grenade. Lawrence was honorably discharged on July 10, 1946. On June 1, 1950, Lawrence was united in marriage to Lois Van Boxtel, the love of his life for 65 years.
Lawrence had a very strong faith and he used every opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Dad had a very deep love for his family, and greatly enjoyed family activities, including boating, camping, and fishing. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. Lawrence had a number of occupations, including farming, the Waldo Alfalfa Mill, and New Dawn Equipment, an entrepreneur and a visionary.
Lawrence is survived by his wife: Lois; his 7 children: Steve (Joan) Driessen, Spring Hill, TN; Ellen (Ken) Heraly, Kaukauna, WI; Karen (Charlie) Olson, Abrams, WI; Mary (James) Loritz, Kiel, WI; Sandy (George) Koehler, Sherwood, WI; Paul (Jane) Driessen, Darboy, WI; and Amy (Robert) Smith; Saint Cloud, FL; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Lawrence is further survived by 3 sisters and one brother, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2015, at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. RICHMOND ST., APPLETON, with the Rev. Steve Driessen officiating. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 PM until the time of service. Full military honors will follow the service, presented by Jacob Coppus, American Legion Post 258, of Little Chute.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for "Jews out of Russia".
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Diane, his loving caretaker and friend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Driessen
AR Bailey Homes Crew
March 16, 2015
Many condolences to your family.
God bless~
Tom/Nikki Garver, Tiffany Barbour, Cindy Adcock, Greg Palmer, Karen Guerrero
Sharon & Bill Turriff
March 14, 2015
Dear Paul,Sorry to hear about you dad. Know that your family is in our prayers.
March 14, 2015
May another true American hero rest in peace Thanks for your sacrifices you made for this Great Nation
A veteran
Rebecca Driessen
March 13, 2015
To the "Lawrences"
Over the last week, prior to his passing, Uncle Lawrence and I had several phone conversations. He shared memories of his parents and siblings, his pride in his military service to his country that earned him a Purple Heart, and his satisfaction of seeing his sons and daughters thrive and prosper with flourishing families of their own. But, mostly, he spoke of his ladylove, Lois -- who "with her dark hair and tall looks" he fell in love the moment he saw her. "I sold all my oats that year and I used it all to buy a ring. I guess I got .69 cents a bushel." [That's 2,899 bushels!] "Took all that time to save up $2000. And, it took the whole works!"
Dear Uncle Lawrence, you asked me to remind you where you left off. I'm so sorry your stories have had to come to an end. I will miss hearing your sweet memories and your laughter.
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Stan Kellenberger
March 13, 2015
Lawrence was a great blessing to our Tuesday Bible Study. He will be missed greatly. May his family be blessed knowing Lawrence touched many for Christ.
susie kapellen
March 13, 2015
Mary,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My goodness he was a handsome man and such a beautiful family! I pray you will find comfort in those memories and time will heal your broken heart. My thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless, Susie
Carolyn Shea
March 12, 2015
Praying for you and your family Ellen. May your memories be held dear and give you peace and strength.
March 12, 2015
I always go back to the fond memories of Sunday afternoons playing on the farm in Little Chute. May your memories along with his spirit carry you! In sympathy, Bill Rose and family.
Karen
March 12, 2015
Amy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tiffany
March 12, 2015
Amy & Family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of such a beloved father, grandfather, & great-grandfather. It sounds like he was an amazing man. May you cherish all the great memories & in his passing, celebrate his life. You all are in my prayers.
Victoria Vonier
March 12, 2015
Dear Mary. I am so sorry about your Fathers passing. He leaves behind a large and loving family. It is a beautiful legacy.
My thoughts for peace are with you, fondly Victoria
c1970: Handsome Lawrence with his lovely family!
Rebecca
March 11, 2015
Sept 1958: Lawrence (standing, 2nd from left) with his extended Driessen Family
Rebecca
March 11, 2015
c1946: Lawrence proudly wears his Purple Heart
Rebecca
March 11, 2015
c1946 Lawrence standing between his mother, Nellie, and father, Pete.
Rebecca
March 11, 2015
March 11, 2015
So sorry Joan and Steve for your loss he was a special person and a great family man God Bless The Whole Family
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Valley Funeral Home - Appleton2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911
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