Lloyd Driessen

Lloyd Everette Driessen, Age 90 of Hayward, WI passed away on Sunday September 18th 2022 while in care of Northern Lakes Rehab Center in Washburn, WI.

Lloyd “Sonny” was born on September 22nd, 1931, in Drake, ND to Ira and Evelyn Driessen.  Having grown up in Herbster, WI, Lloyd was a Graduate of South Shore High School in Port Wing, WI.

After high school Lloyd went into Active Duty in The United States Air Force and served during the Korean War in the South Pacific Region.  While serving, he spent time at Kwajalein Atoll and in Japan as an Atomic Veteran.  Later he also attended military Aircraft Load Master Training in Puerto Rico.  He was Honorably Discharged in 1955. Shortly after he married Marlene Smukowski at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI on April 7th, 1956. They resided in Milwaukee for a brief time until moving to Muskego, WI to begin a family and start planning their future dreams.  In 1970, they discovered and moved to Hayward, WI where they purchased a gas station and delivered heating oil and fuel for fishing boats to many local resorts.  During the recession of the 70’s, times were difficult, but they persevered. Through hard work and friendly service, their business survived.  This allowed them the resources to design and build their family home on Smith Lake to raise their 5 children in the wonderful Hayward north woods.

Upon arriving to Hayward, Lloyd and Marlene became active members of the community.  They joined St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Co-Founded the Civil Air Patrol Wild Rivers Composite Squadron.  Lloyd Volunteered Annually for the American Birkebeiner (40+ years), Volunteered for Fishing Has No Boundaries, and Snow Plowed for commercial customers and for residents.  Lloyd earned his private pilot license as he avidly enjoyed flying and could often be found at the Hayward Airport working and socializing.  He regularly would deer hunt and attended annual fishing trips to Canada with friends.  Lloyd also always could be found proudly supporting his 5 children in all their extra-curricular activities. (Track & Field, Little League, Football, Volleyball, Band, Dance, Ice Skating, Variety Shows, and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Training).  After retiring, in addition to his hobbies of bowling, hunting, and fishing, Lloyd continued to work. He served in various capacities at the National Forest Service, drove school bus for the Hayward Community Schools, and refueled aircraft at the Airport.

Lloyd is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marlene, their children Ken, Glenn (Rupe), Jamie, Bill, and Cathy (Cat), his 6 grandchildren, Amanda, Daniel, Sam, Jonah, Olivia, and Sarah. He is also survived by his brother, Henry (Hank) and Sister Bonnie. Preceded in death by his brother, Manny, sister, Sally and his parents, Ira and Evelyn.

A visitation will be held Sunday, September 25, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hayward, WI. A memorial mass will be held Monday, September 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

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