January 30, 1925 – January 30, 2021
information provided by Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home
Milton Van Drunen of Lansing, IL, passed on to his heavenly home on January 30, 2021, his 96th birthday, surrounded by his family: loving wife AnnaMae (nee Huizenga) and children late Milton (Rita) Van Drunen, Kathy (Bill) Dykstra, Debra (Jim) Panozzo, Steve (Debra) Van Drunen, Joel (Carol) Van Drunen, 18 grandchildren, their spouses, and 44 great grandchildren. Milton was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Lara Van Drunen.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family service will be held at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Lansing, Illinois. Mr. Van Drunen will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. Family and friends are in invited to view the service via live streaming, by going to youtube.com under Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, services will begin at 11:00am.
Milton was born to Gerrit and Johanna (nee Van Heest) Van Drunen on January 30, 1925, and is survived by sister Pearl (late Quirinius) Reynhout and preceded in death by sisters Joann (late Isaac) Van Der Heyden, Bess (late Hilbert) Bult and Flora Hawkins.
Milton graduated from T.F. North High School in 1943 on a Friday and enlisted in the Navy on the following Monday, serving proudly as a torpedo man on the submarine tender U.S.S. Sperry in the South Pacific. His years of hard work included working at Boonstra’s Poultry Store and over 40 years of roofing with Lange Roofing.
Milton was a loving friend to many, known for his jokes, quips, songs, and stories. He truly loved his family and loved spending time with them. In his spare time he found joy in gardening and fishing, when he got a chance. He was a faithful member of New Hope Christian Reformed Church and daily modeled his faith to everyone he met. Milton was loved by many, and he will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Milton’s name to the Christian School of your choice. Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home has been entrusted with Milton’s care.
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Milt was a great guy. Before Covid19, we talked almost every Sunday after church services. He was very friendly with a big smile. In our last conversation, I told him “I wanted to be just like him when I grow up.” I am very saddened by his passing.
I offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Our sympathy to you, Steve, Deb and family.
Milton was one of the great working men and father figures in my life. He was a master roofer who loved his work, took pride in craftsmanship, and made it look easy. His rhythm and efficiency in nailing shingles to a roof was almost musical and a wonder to behold. Long after most of us resorted to sitting and scooting along on our hips, Milton would still be crouched and moving along smoothly on his toes. Rest in peace, faithful worker, and enjoy the aerial view from heaven!