MONONA - Jean I. Van Dreel, age 87, transitioned from this life to beyond her life, on Friday, December 6, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 28, 1937, in Green Bay, Wis., the daughter of Corbin and Eleanor (Eisenman) Graunke.

Jean was valedictorian of her graduating class at Seymour High School in 1955. She earned her degree in professional nursing at Milwaukee County School of Nursing. Jean began her career as a staff R.N. at Madison Visiting Nurse Service from 1958 to 1962. She concluded her career as a managing R.N. with Family Service Association and Holy Family Hospital Home Health Care in Manitowoc.

Jean married Richard Van Dreel at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Seymour, Wis., on June 13, 1959. They enjoyed traveling to many countries together, volunteering in missions to Liberia, Nicaragua and Honduras, and learning about other cultures. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, and cooking.

She was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter CW, AFS (American Field Service) International Student Exchange along with various other professional and church related leadership roles.

Along with her own children and grandchildren, Jean connected deeply with many making them feel loved to the point where they knew her as “mom” or “grandma.” Special friends include, Christian and Cecilia Molinari and their children (Argentina), Diego and Mariana Martinez - Vivot and family (Argentina/Colorado), Thais and Claudio Rocha family (Brazil/Scotland), Lun Hua Cao and family (China). These students have remained in close contact, becoming family. Many have special gratitude for Jean’s generous and caring soul. She had a profound influence and brought blessings and love into the lives of many.

Jean is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Garrett R. Van Dreel (Charlotte, N.C.), Deanna (Peter) Gibeau (West Bend, Wis.), Katrina (James) Lemens (Monona, Wis.) and Lydia Van Dreel (Tigre Lusardi) (Eugene, Ore.); grandchildren, Bill Gibeau (fiancée, Olivia) and Gabriel Van Dreel; siblings, Kathleen Graunke (Monty McGovern) (Seattle, Wash.), and Kristine Graunke (Nashville, Tenn.); and sisters-in-law, Karen Graunke (Midland, Mich.) and Bev Pieschek (Bellevue, Wis.). She is survived by many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Mildred Van Dreel; brother, Ronald Graunke; and brothers-in-law, Robert (Fran) Van Dreel and Jerry Pieschek.

A memorial service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private family burial has taken place at Natural Path Sanctuary.

Memorials appreciated to Wisconsin Public Radio, Monona Methodist Church or donor’s choice.

Special thanks to Agrace Home Hospice, especially Loretta and Nicole, for all of their care and support.

Jean saw the potential in everyone she met and supported their dreams with her enthusiasm and belief in them. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Jean Van Dreel

October 28, 1937 - December 06, 2024

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