Cover photo for Ivan Drews's Obituary
Ivan Drews Profile Photo
1930 Ivan 2014

Ivan Drews

May 22, 1930 — November 14, 2014

Ivan Wilmer Drews, 84, gracefully took his Savior's hand on Friday, November 14, 2014. Ivan was born on May 22, 1930 to Elmer and Ida (Buman) Drews in the Town of Center. After graduating from Seymour High in 1948, he worked as a hand at the Otto Mielke farm as well as helping at the family homestead. He proudly served in the Army at Fort Lewis, Washington during the Korean War, 1954-1956. Ivan began working at Riverside Paper in 1957 as a shipping clerk/tow motor operator and worked there for 34 years until his retirement in 1991. It was at Riverside Paper that he met some of his best and life-long friends. He married the love of his life, Joan Techlin, on August 21, 1965, and they were blessed with 41 years of memories, love and laughter.

Ivan had a special zest for living life to its fullest. In his youth, he was an avid roller skater and spent many hours roller skate dancing. In his adulthood, going fishing was his passion. He loved to take family and friends out to Little Lake Butte des Morts and show them the best fishing holes so that they could catch their limit.

Ivan enjoyed adventure and discovering all that this world had to offer. He frequently took his family on numerous road trips in Wisconsin and the throughout the USA. His love of travel never diminished; just this past spring, he was proud to participate on in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with other veterans of the Korean War.

Ivan was a very patient man and loved to teach children. He would find projects like tapping for maple syrup so that he could teach little ones things that they may never see otherwise. Children and adults too, delighted in joining him on his front porch and hand feeding the neighborhood squirrels that would gather at their feet.

Ivan will most be remembered for his sense of humor. His daily goal was to make someone smile and laugh at life. Funny stories, crazy inventions and practical jokes were his creative attempts to bring joy and merriment to all.

Ivan will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Diane Drews, as well as his sister: Gladys (Gordon) Bruhn; three sister-in laws: Audrey Drews, Janet (Ted) Daelke, Betty Techlin and a brother-in-law Fred Techlin as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents; a sister: Delores (Lyle) Kubitz; two brothers: Merlin (Dawn) Drews; Marvin Drews; a sister-in-law: Patricia Techlin, and a brother-in-law Carl Techlin.

The Christian Funeral for Ivan will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 930 E Florida Ave, Appleton, WI. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again Tuesday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Freedom's Community Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Dad-You gave me the best gifts that any child could have wished for: you taught me, you believed in me and most importantly, you truly loved me. You and mom made me everything that I am and I will carry you in my heart until we meet again. I love you.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ivan Drews, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, November 18, 2022

9:30 - 11:00 am

Mount Olive Lutheran Church

930 E Florida Ave, Appleton, WI 54911

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Service

Community Lutheran Cemetery

N2749 French Rd, Appleton, WI 54913

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