Laurel A. Vandrisse

Laurel A. VanDrisse, 89, Casco, died early Saturday morning March 26, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center. He was born on December 9, 1921, in Lincoln to the late Joe and Hattie VanDrisse. On May 8, 1954, Laurel married Shirley Geier, his wife of 52 years; she preceded him in death on September 3, 2006. He had a long career as a certified welder at Manitowoc Shipyards and Kewaunee Engineering. At the same time, he ran a very successful dairy farm with the help of his wife and children. Laurel had few hobbies throughout his life because he was so dedicated to his family, his work and his farm. The one thing he loved to do later in life was sing and play his guitar. He played and sang for many of the assisted care and nursing homes in the area. They welcomed him back time after time to sing his Johnny Cash songs. Laurel is survived by his six children; Randy (Cathy) VanDrisse, New Franken; Michael (Lois) VanDrisse, Casco; Mary (Gary) Delebreau, Luxemburg; Ricky (Marie) VanDrisse, Oshkosh; Cindy (Wayne) Lambert, Bellevue; Brenda (Kevin) Veeser, Casco; 11 grandchildren, one expected great-grandchild, one brother-in-law, Maynard Geier, Luxemburg, one sister-in-law, Darlene Radka, Green Bay, many special nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents, granddaughter Ami VanDrisse, his brother, sisters, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. Friends may call at St. Peter Catholic Church, Lincoln, between 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Tuesday March 29, 2011. Funeral 11:00 a.m. at the church with Father Lee Kahrs and Deacon Paul Zenefski officiating. Burial in St. Peter Catholic cemetery. McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG is assisting the VanDrisse family. A special note of thanks to the staff and nurses at Manor Care East and Aurora Medical Center.