Robert "Bob" Van Driel

Bob was welcomed peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on October 7, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife and daughter. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Delores Cathleen (De Goei) Van Driel; three children, Cory (Deb) Van Driel, Wade (Jennifer) Van Driel, and Sarah (Dwayne) Dean; six grandchildren, Jesse Van Driel, Ashley (Bobby) Remer, Dylan (Maddy) Van Driel, Kayla (Dima) Howard, Charlie Dean, and Audrey Dean; six great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Chris Van Driel. He was preceded in glory by his son, Troy Van Driel, sister Velma (Norm) Boonstra and brother Don Van Driel. His family was a source of great joy throughout his life, and the memories they created together will be cherished forever.

Bob was born on February 4, 1937, in Orange City, Iowa, to Cornelius and Ann (Mouw) Van Driel. He and Dee were married on August 9, 1957, in Orange City. During their early years of marriage, they made their home in Orange City, Sheldon, and Estherville, at times returning to communities they had previously lived in. The family also spent a couple of summers in Colorado, where Bob continued his education and earned his master’s degree.

Bob’s career eventually took the family to Fort Dodge when he accepted a position with Land O’Lakes, and in 1982 they settled in Minneapolis. Throughout his career, he wore many hats, serving as a public-school teacher, an Education Director at local technical colleges, and in various management positions.

Beyond his professional life, Bob and Dee spent 23 winters in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying the warmer weather and making many memories together. He also loved working with his hands and was a gifted contractor. He enjoyed renovating homes, taking on new projects, and helping others along the way. He especially loved assisting his children with their own renovation projects, always willing to share his knowledge, skills, and helping hands. When he stepped away from his projects, he looked forward to his annual Canadian fishing trips with friends.

Most importantly, Bob loved Christ and wanted others to know Him. He used the gifts God had given him—especially his ability to work with his hands—to serve others through missionary work in Honduras. His faith was at the center of his life, and he faithfully prayed for each family member, always praying that they would have a personal relationship with the Lord.

Bob never stopped being a builder. Even in his final days, he was still measuring, planning, and building in his dreams. It was a fitting reflection of the life he lived—a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and a desire to use the gifts God had given him to bless others.

A memorial service will be held to honor Bob’s life on Friday, October 16, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.