Paul G. Van Driest, 68, of 843 Wisconsin Avenue, Oostburg, died Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2009 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Paul was born on June 7, 1941 in Sheboygan, the son of the late George and Ruth (DeMaster) Van Driest. Paul graduated from Oostburg High School in 1959 and then received his bachelor degree and master studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Illinois at Bloomington in Geography and History. On June 18, 1966 Paul married Carol Hilbelink in Cedar Grove. He served his country in the US National Guard. Paul was a middle school teacher for eight years in Stoughton from 1969-1977. He retired from the Bemis Mfg.. in Sheboygan Falls as a quality control manager in 2006 following 25 years of service. Paul was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg where he served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed watching and coaching baseball, soccer,and basketball, traveling, taking car rides, yardwork, and spending time with his family. Paul is survived by his wife, Carol; one daughter, Hallie (Jason) DeGroff of Cascade; one son, Andy Van Driest of St. Francis; one sister, Joan (Roger) Weyker of Crossville, TN; two brothers, George (Sheran)Van Driest of Roseville, MN and Phil (Mary) Van Driest of Oostburg; one sister-in-law, Jane Hilbelink of Oostburg; and four brothers-in-law, Wayne (Bev) Hilbelink of Delavan, Roger (Karen) Hilbelink of Oostburg, David (Eileen) Hilbelink of Appleton, and Stuart (Wendy) Hilbelink of Plymouth. Paul was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild in October. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Jeff Hilbelink. A memorial service celebrating Paul's life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Oostburg with the Rev. Walter Hackney officiating. Friends may greet the family at the church on Monday from 4 pm until the time of the service at 7 pm. Online condolences may be sent to www.wenigfuneralhome.com A memorial fund is being established in his memory for the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, St. Nicholas Home Health and Hospice or the First Presbyterian Church. The Van Driest family would like to thank Dr. Marshall Matthews and his staff, the St. Nicholas Home Health and Hospice and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the dedicated care and love shown to Paul and their family. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Van Driest family.
Service
Monday, July 20, 2009 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
118 S. 8th Street Oostburg 53070, United States