Herbert (Herb) Van Driel


Like many clowns before me, I have moved on to the great Big Top in the sky. I concluded a long and happy life on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 when I peacefully passed away from congestive heart failure following a two-day stay at the Hospice House in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Like my favorite jockey, Earlie Fires, I raced this horse across the finish line and wound up in the winner's circle.It all started on July 1, 1933, when I was born in Chicago to Herbert A. and Helen (Paschke) Van Driel. My parents moved to the suburb of Mt. Prospect a few years later to open Van Driel's Drug Store, which would have been a very profitable family business if only I hadn't regularly opened the store after hours to treat all my friends to unlimited ice cream and pie at the soda fountain.I nearly broke my mother's heart when I left to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, and then after earning a degree in journalism, I completely dashed her dreams that I'd return home by marrying the love of my life, Shirley Forster, on Sept. 17, 1955 in Edina, Minnesota. Shirley was my cherished spouse and best friend, and the years of our marriage were the happiest of my life.I worked for a few years as a newspaper reporter and then for several decades as a sales manager in the electronics industry, but the real fun began after my retirement, when I stayed out of Shirley's hair by working at Noah's Ark Water Park, at the Dells Boat Tours, and best of all, as a substitute teacher in the Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells school districts.My service to others brought me great happiness. I was proud to be a 10+ gallon blood donor, to volunteer regularly at Circus World, and to work in support of Baraboo school improvement projects. I loved to play softball, tennis, and golf, and when that was no longer possible, I took joy in watching and supporting the local high school teams.My six children made sure that I never had a dull moment or an extra nickel. I leave behind Kathy (Ray) Nee, Laurie (Jim) Stoffel, Lisa Dean, Mary Tenamore, Brian (Susan) Van Driel, and Sue Arnold; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. I also am survived by my sister, Mary Anne Ripple; nephew, Tom Ripple; and nieces, Annette, Diane, Susanne, Helen, and Katie.In addition to my parents and Shirley, I am now reunited with my brother-in-law, Donald Ripple; niece, Mary Carol Boyle; and son-in-law, Larry Tenamore. I know that I'll also meet all of you again someday. Meanwhile, remember that life is what you make it, so get the most out of every minute! And if you owed me money, please bring it with you when you come.Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave., Baraboo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 2nd Ave., Baraboo, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Father Jay Poster will be officiating. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.