VanDriel, Gordon

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• Obituary: 27 Apr 2016; Green Bay Press Gazette

Notes:

Obituary:
Gordon Van Dreel, 86, Ashwaubenon, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016. He was born on May 17, 1929, in De Pere to George and Genevieve (Van De Hei) Van Dreel.
He began his career as an equipment installer at Western Electric. When there was word of a potential layoff, Gordie and a friend went to the Army over lunch to sign up. Unfortunately for them, the office was closed, so they went across the street to the Navy and enlisted. Two weeks later, they were deployed. While home on leave three years into his term, Gordie met the love of his life, Carol Jean Coppersmith. He returned to Green Bay after his four-year term was complete, and the couple wedded soon after. They have been blissfully married for 62 years.
Upon Gordie's return from the Navy, he resumed his position at Western Electric and was later promoted to Regional Supervisor of much of Wisconsin where he worked until he retired at the age of 47. Gordie then began Universal Realty, a commercial and residential real estate brokerage, where he worked for over 40 years.
He was always reading to keep up on current events, medical advancements, business developments, and finance trends. Gordie was very handy when it came to anything around the house or his rental properties, and if he couldn't do something, there was always a friend or associate who was more than happy to help him out.
Some of Gordie's varied interests were to gather certifications. Throughout the years, he was licensed as a pilot, insurance broker, securities agent, real estate broker, and a private investigator.
Gordie was always very physically active and through diet and exercise, did not take any prescription medications until the age of 85 when he had his first stroke.
One of Gordie's favorite pastimes was travel. Over the past 20 years, he went to over 90 countries doing everything from hot air ballooning over the Kenyan desert, to elephant riding through the jungle in Thailand, late night kayaking in Puerto Rico's phosphorescent river, tuk-tuk riding in India, long-tail boating the filthy, polluted canals of Bangkok, or basket riding the streets of Madeira in the Canary Islands.
Gordie's effervescent personality made him a joy to be around and he was known by all as a kind-hearted, extroverted, approachable man. Everyone who knew him has good memories or stories they love to share and keep close to their hearts.
Gordon was often referred to as the #1 Dad by his sons. Always there to talk to, to get advice from, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with, he was a truly wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
Gordie will be sorrowfully missed by his wife, Carol; three sons and their spouses, James "Jim" (Cheryl) Van Dreel, Gary (Becky) Van Dreel, Brian (Gail M.) Van Dreel; grandchildren, Sarah, Alexandra, Breanna, Bridget; great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Ethyn, Breckyn, Sidney, Gavin; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, John "Jack" (Kathleen) Van Dreel, Russell (Diane) Van Dreel, Arleen Van Dreel; brother-in-law, Wayne (Lois) Coppersmith; and many nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Van Dreel.
Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28. A Parish Wake Service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Friends may also call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 29. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29 at the church with Rev. Patrick C. Beno officiating. Military Honors will conclude. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
The Van Dreel family extends a special thank you to the staffs of Allouez Parkside Village and Unity Hospice.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from Apr. 27 to Apr. 29, 2016