Ron was embraced by his Lord and Savior on Saturday April 13, 2013 after a very courageous battle with cancer. He ended his life as he lived it, spending time with the love of his life Joanne, his precious daughters Debbie, Lori and Sara, as well as his sons-in-law Ed and Rick and his beloved grandchildren. Ron's strong faith and devotion to the Lord was the foundation of his life. He was born in Little Chute on February 23, 1937 to the late Henry "Hank" and Theresa (Van Elzen) Driessen. Ron married Joanne Bongers on June 23, 1962. He enjoyed reading, going out to eat, rooting for the Packers and watching the History Channel. Ron also loved to spend time with family and friends at the cottage in Pembine, listening to music, enjoying wildlife and a "mighty fine Old Fashion." He retired as a supervisor from Appleton Papers in 1992.

Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joanne; daughters: Debbie Driessen, Kaukauna; Lori (Ed) Kalupa, Appleton; and Sara (Rick) Paitel, Little Chute; grandchildren: Jonathan, PFC Karrie, Melissa and Jennifer Milheiser, Benjamin and Amanda Kalupa, Elizabeth and Brianna Paitel; sisters: Bernice (Lew) Bain and Sharon (Bruce) Vande Hey; brothers and sisters-in-law: Rita Driessen, Rich (Margot) Bongers and Carmen (Bernard) Vedder; and Godchildren: Joseph Bongers, Carol Bain, Linda Bons and Tina Hoeffler. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Theresa Driessen; Joanne's parents Richard and Marie (Van Nuland) Bongers; and brother Robert Driessen.

Visitation will be held Friday April 19, 2013 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com. A memorial is being established.

Ron's family would like to thank the staff at Martha Siekman Cancer Center, especially Dr. Mortara, Patty Martins and Dr. Swanson, Theda Care at Home Hospice and all who supported us through this journey.

"When it's time to go, it's time to go…"