Carolyn Driest

Carolyn Van Driest, 84, of Oostburg, died on Friday, July 15, 2016 at St. Luke Medical Center in Milwaukee. Carolyn was born on March 1, 1932 in Sheboygan to Ellis and Arlie (VerGowe) Debbink. She was a 1949 graduate of Oostburg High School then furthered her education at Sheboygan County Normal School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree at UW-Oshkosh and completed her Master's Degree of Science, Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Milwaukee. On June 27, 1958, Carolyn married Wayne Van Driest at Gibbsville Reformed Church. He preceded her in death on November 11, 1977. Carolyn began her teaching career in a one room school house in Adell and spent her last 35 years teaching in Cedar Grove until her retirement in 1995. After her retirement Carolyn wanted to be closer to her grandchildren; in 1995 she rented an apartment in Marshfield and then in Neenah during 2002. She would then go and spend long weekends with her grandchildren. Carolyn was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg, and enjoyed her time with the Thursday Morning Bible Coffee Group. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was recognized in 1994 and 1996 by Who's Who Among American Teachers. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Egypt, the Holy Land, Europe and Hawaii. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, crafts and quilting but most of all loved spending time with her grandchildren. Carolyn is survived by two daughters, Kristine (Robert) Johanek of Marshfield and Kathy (Richard) Quale of Neenah; two sons, Greg (Michelle) Van Driest of Appleton and Grant (Sally) Van Driest of Cedar Grove; ten grandchildren: Paul, Steven and Sarah Johanek, David, Patrick and Jonathan Quale, Dexter and Reese Van Driest and Zaylia and Josette Van Driest; two sisters, Beverly (Marvin) Potter and Nancy (LaMont) Rauwerdink; one brother, Donald (Virginia) Debbink; and one sister-in-law, Peggy Van Driest. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Alvera and Dick Zwart; one infant sister; and one brother-in-law, Carlyle Van Driest. A funeral service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg with Rev. Brian Jacobson officiating. Burial will be at Oostburg Cemetery. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg from 5-8pm and again on Thursday at the church from 10am until the time of service at 11am. A memorial fund is being established in Carolyn's name. For additional information and online condolences please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Carolyn's family with arrangements.Reception:First Presbyterian Church118 S. 8th StreetOostburg, WI 53070

Visitation

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Visitation

Thursday, July 21, 2016 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church
118 S. 8th Street Oostburg 53070, United States

Service

Thursday, July 21, 2016 11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church
118 S. 8th Street Oostburg 53070, United States