Werner Manfred Driese

Werner M. Driese, age 83, of Reedsburg, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on August 4, 1938 in Waren (Müritz) to Carl and Gertrude (Westphal) Driese.  He immigrated to the United States in 1959 after escaping from East Germany. On September 24, 1960, he married Linda Meske.

Werner was a brick and stone mason for Monona masonry for approximately 40 years, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed canoeing the Boundary Waters, rock climbing, ice climbing, bicycling, playing golf, playing cards, and working in his beautiful flower gardens. Werner and Linda traveled to Germany, Spain, and Mexico many times.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carl and Gertrude Driese; brother Heinz Driese, an infant brother, and his granddaughter, Autumn Grabmiller.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda; daughter Tammy (Dennis) Grabmiller, son Todd Driese; grandchildren Alexis (Matt) Schmidt, Audrey Grabmiller, Cole Grabmiller, Morgan Driese; great-grandchildren Hudson Schmidt and Holten Schmidt; nieces Ruth Ann Hineman, Monica Bergman, Heidi Driese; nephews Butch Driese, Peter Driese, Timothy Driese, and Rick Driese; sister Ingrid (Siegried) Gruning, nephew Marco Gruning; sister Erica Driese; brother Helmut Pruter, all of Germany.

A Celebration of Life in Werner’s honor will be held at a later date to be announced.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

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