Heinz H. Driese

Heinz H. Driese, age 83, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at his home in Reedsburg.  He was born October 4, 1934, in East Germany the son of Karl Heinz and Gertrude (Westphal) Driese.  He was united in marriage to Marianne Hummel on March 20, 1955, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.  Together the couple immigrated to the United States in 1954.

Heinz was a skilled carpenter and worked in various trades.  One of his prides was building the Westphal barn at the age of 19, just after arriving to the United States.  He loved spending time with his family and friends while camping and sharing stories as well as telling jokes.  Heinz also enjoyed dancing with his wife, Marianne, which everyone thought was a joy to see.  Together, Heinz and Marianne were in card clubs and made weekly stops at Fishy’s Bar for “just one.”  Heinz also enjoyed socializing at coffee clutch.  He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Joshua; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Ella Hummel.

Heinz is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marianne, of Reedsburg;

Children, LaVern “Butch” (Deanna West) Driese, Ruth Ann (Dan) Hineman, Heidi Schlienger, Monica (Dave) Bergman, Rick (Tanya Henry) Driese, Peter (Penelope Durfee) Driese, and Timothy (Melonie Munson) Driese;

Grandchildren, Joe (Chrissy McNamara) Kinsman, Sheena (Joe Burdick), Joleen (Johnny) Williams, Andrea (Kevin) Johnson. Christina (Shawn Burdick) Hineman, Jamie (Mike) Heath, Kyle Schlienger, Aynsley (Debbie Stone) Lange, Analicia Henry, Dustin Driese, Aubin Driese, Brandon Henry, Jordynn Durfee, Conrad Kurtz, Austin Fuhrman, and Hunter Driese;

Great grandchildren, Jordyn, Alexa, Kiera, Addison, Kaley, Megan, Lilliana, Everett, Oliver, Jenna, Alex, Taya, and Jace;

He is also survived by his brother, Vern (Linda) Driese; niece, Tammy Grabmiller; nephew, Todd Driese; half-brother, Helmut Pruitt; half-sisters, Ingrid Bruning and Erika of Germany.

A Memorial Service honoring Heinz Driese will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, with Chaplain Daniel Farber officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.  Until you and Marianne can waltz again, auf weidersehen.

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