Robert E. Driessen

Age 89, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 13, 2003. Bob was born in Kaukauna on May 1, 1914, son of the late Edward and Lucy (King) Driessen. On September 1, 1941, he married the former Marian Coenen in Little Chute; she survives. As a young man, the local newspapers proclaimed him “The Wizard of the Saw.” As the years, passed, the title became very accurate, for until his final day was known by all as a talented and creative woodworker. For many years, Bob was employed at Giddings and Lewis, and retired as the inspection department supervisor. He was employed there for a total for forty-five years. Bob was a gifted wood-worker, and shared his talents with many over the years. Many will remember the countless hours he donated to the St. Paul Manor, helping to build staircases, countertops, and picture frames there. In 1966, he began construction on the family summer home on White Potato Lake. In 1976, he retired and made the cottage his full-time home. There he continued with his woodworking and made a variety of items for his home, yard, and family members and friends. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of them have inherited his woodworking abilities!

Bob is survived by his wife of sixty-two years: Marian Driessen of Kaukauna; three children: Karen Geyso of Kaukauna; Robert F. (Bonnie) Driessen of Kaukauna; Rick (Betty) Driessen of Kaukauna; nine grandchildren: Eric (Jenny) Geyso, Alison (Dave) Spencer, Abbie Geyso, Todd (Nicole) Driessen, Craig Driessen, Robin Driessen, Darin (Michelle) Driessen, Traci Driessen; five great-grandchildren: Dylan Driessen, Chase Driessen, Taylor Geyso, Caden Lambie, and Kiefer Lambie; a brother: Leo (Fran) Driessen of Kaukauna; two sisters-in-law: Marion Driessen of Oshkosh and Ann Driessen of Kaukauna; a brother-in-law: Jule Schommer of Wausau. Bob is further survived by Marian’s sisters: Rose Kavanaugh of Little Chute and Lea (Bob) Stadler of Kelly Lake; and her sister-in-law: Orpha Coenen of Little Chute; as well as by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his adopted son Daryl Driessen, sisters Lozelle Schommer and Margaret (Tip) Reetz; his twin brother Norbert Driessen, brothers Everett (Julia) Driessen, Floyd Driessen, and Quintin (Helen) Driessen; a son-in-law Bill Geyso; brothers-in-law Andrew Coenen and Richard (Delores) Coenen; and a sister-in-law: Esther (Joe) Kuborn.

The funeral liturgy for Bob will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 17, 2003 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and again Monday at the church from 10 AM until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bob’s name for the building fund at Holy Cross Church.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200