Cornell, MILeonard G. VanDrese, age 91, of Cornell, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Transition Assisted Living in Gladstone.
Leonard was born March 13, 1932, in Cornell, MI, the son of Charles and Emma (Stache) VanDrese.
Len proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Len and Marian were united in marriage on November 5th, 1955. In 1959, they built a home in Soo Hill where they raised their family. Len retired from Mead Paper after 35 years. Len was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings; from listening to the games on the radio to finally being able to watch them on television. His faith and family were always very important to him as he was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wells, MI.
You could always find him with a pencil in his chair enjoying the Daily Press crosswords. Another source of enjoyment was walking around the block in their neighborhood. Len and Marian wintered in Weslaco, Texas from 1994-2018. They met new friends and loved attending music jam sessions together. She sang harmony to his melody. They enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage. He was quick with his wit and always came up with a quip.
The family would like to send a thank you to the home healthcare workers, VA medical center, the outstanding staff at Transition Assisted Living, hospice workers, Father Jaime from All Saints Catholic Church, and Skradski Funeral Homes for assisting.
In addition to his loving Wife, Marian, Len is survived by:
Daughter: Debra (Michael) Casey
Sons: Daryl, Dana, Dale (Denise), Dean (Sandrah), Duane (fiancee Denise Bliss)
Grandchildren: Katrina (Cory), Joshua, Kyle (Kimberly), Ryan, Emily, Jessica, Eric (Erin), Dylan (fiancee Staci), Drew
Great-grandchildren: Carter, Teagan, Marley, Aubree, Courtlen, Charleigh, Makenna, Chayson, Alden
Special nieces: Sandy Peltier and Donna Nelson
Special Nephew: Wayne Madalinski
Preceded:
In addition to his Parents, Len is preceded in death by: Brothers: Herman, Harry, Gilbert, Elmer, Carlton
Sisters: Alice, Hazel, Myrtle, Ethel, Pearl
Family will receive friends on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 9:00 until 10:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating.
Donna Nelson - Cornell, MI
Aunt Marian & family
I was so saddened to hear that Uncle Leonard passed away. I will certainly miss him and the wonderful visits I had with the both of you. He had such a great sense of humor that I really enjoyed. My heart and prayers go out to you and the family on your loss.
Love and prayers, Donna
Mick boutilier - Escanaba , Mi
So sorry to hear about Leonard‘s passing was a very great man. God bless the family. Love you all.
Shirley Patek - Luxemburg, Wi
Aunt Marian & Family: I am sorry for your loss. Uncle Leonard was a great uncle. I will never forget all the dancing he and I did at family weddings. He will be missed. I will not be able to go to the funeral as I’m having back surgery thursday and will be in the hospital. Love and prayers, Shirley and Gene Patek
Shannon (Korn) Samuelson - Inverness , Fl
So sorry for your loss.I remember hanging out with the VanDrese and Bolm kids in Soo Hill.Great memories of a great man and his family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Szukalowski - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences are with you all. Loved his sense of humor and their singing . Beautiful sweet people.
Linda Trombley Robitaille - Cornell , MI
Our heartfelt sympathies to Aunt Marian and her children! Uncle Leonard was a special man!
To this day I still play the CD that you both made while wintering in Texas! Your voices were perfect together!
He watched over you in this life ; and I believe he watches over you still!
Mike - Escanaba, Ml
Len enjoy heaven I will meet you there save me a seat. May God bless you, l will see you later. Mike your best son in law
Jerry and Tammy Hanson - Escanaba, MI
Our deepest condolences to Leonard’s family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
My sincere condolences to Leonard’s entire family. He was such a great guy. Worked at the Paper mill with him for many years. I do not remember a day when we’d see each other that he didn’t have a smile on his face. Rest in Peace my friend!
Richard and Barbara king - Newberry, Mi
We will miss you dear friend. So many good times in Texas , especially the Saturday nite visits. You always had a smile and kind word . Marian our thoughts are with you and love you dearly. Remember all the good times and memories
Samantha McLeod - Spalding, MI
Sending all my love and hugs to a family that have always treated me like there own ❤️ Leonard was a great man and I was lucky enough to get to know him throughout the years
Beth Nelson - Manistique , MI
My sympathy to the VanDrese Family thinking of all of you at this difficult time sending prayers
Roger & Kay Gruendemann - Oshkosh, WI
Cousin Marian and family, our deepest sympathy. Kay and I remember all the times we got together ..from reunions, our wedding, and all the times got together in Texas when we wintered near you in McAllen. So very sorry for your loss.