Leonard G. VanDrese

Leonard was born March 13, 1932, in Cornell, Mich., 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 5, 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.

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.

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, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the VanDrese family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com to offer an online message of sympathy to the family.