Joana M. Driessen

Joana Driessen, age 80 of Combined Locks, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, June 21, 2017. Joana was born in Appleton on June 21, 1937, daughter of the late Arnold and Barbara (Blahnik) Wenzlaff. She was a graduate of Appleton High School, Appleton Business School, and Lakeland College. On November 24, 1960, she married Tom Driessen at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton.

Joana was a woman of many talents and skills. She loved cooking, woodworking, painting, sewing, ceramics, cross-stitch, and meticulous gardening and landscaping. Many will remember her as the proprietor of Jo's Country Creations. She loved photography, and captured hundreds of images of every trip she took or every concert, program, or sporting event of her grandchildren. In their younger years, she was also the daily caregiver for three of her grandchildren, Keshia, Brandon, and Tipper. Joana was also a longtime member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and their bible study group.

Joana is survived by her loving husband: Tom Driessen of Combined Locks; four children: Julie (Jay) Menting Edgerton of Appleton; Paul (LoriSue) Driessen of Cameron, NC; Andy (Sharon) Driessen of Foothill Ranch, CA; and Shari (Joey) Driessen LaCrosse of New Franken. There are also eleven grandchildren: Tyler (Maureen Malone) Menting, Samantha (Martin) Keberlein, Anna Driessen, Matthew Driessen, Daniel Driessen, Melanie Driessen, Kimberly Driessen, Ryan Driessen, Keshia (Eric Bloom) Driessen, Brandon (fiancée Michelle Brummond) Driessen, and Tipper (Allison Sanders) Driessen; four great-grandchildren: Michael, Claudia, Cora, and Brayden. Joana is also survived by Tom's siblings: Aggie Heiting, Mary Melinski, Kate (Tucker) Weyenberg, and Dennis (Pat) Driessen. There are also many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Joana was preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law: Mike Menting; a grandson: Trav Driessen; and brothers-in-law Dennis Melinski and Richard Heiting.

The funeral liturgy for Joana will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 Wallace Street in Combined Locks, with Fr. Andrew Kysely officiating Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather directly at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the mass.

The family would like to thank Pa and the dedicated staff at Kimberly Assisted Living, Gina and the staff of Compassus Hospice, Dr. Stephen Dernlan, and Dr. Patricia Demery. We will always remember your love and compassion.