J. Kenneth Driessen's Obituary
J. Kenneth Driessen, of Annapolis Maryland, age 89, passed away on July 22, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Little Chute, Wisconsin on November 10, 1932 to the late Joseph Martin Driessen and Catherine (Schumacher) Driessen. Ken married Joan Hammen at St. John Nepomucene Church on August 27, 1955, and shared 67 wonderful years together. Ken was a loving, caring, best and lifelong friend, as well as husband to Joan and a wonderful father and grandfather. He graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ken had a successful executive career of 31 years at IBM, rising to Vice President and General Manager of the Owego, NY facility. After leaving IBM he served as CEO to defense contractor MRJ until his retirement at age 70. He served on many boards including the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Ginger Cove of Annapolis, Maryland, and Intelsat in McLean, Virginia. He was a mentor to many and always challenged his family and friends to do better.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Joan of Annapolis, his four children: Terry (Christine) Driessen, Danbury, CT; Amy Walsh, Annapolis; Kimberly Stewart, Annapolis; and Kara (James) Oldewurtel, Annapolis; 3 grandchildren: Katie Driessen, Jack Driessen and Brandon Stewart, brothers-in-law: Robert (Jan) and James (Alice) Hammen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Fred (Marion) Driessen, Robert (Regina) Driessen, Dorothy (Vince) Godschalx, Barbara (Dave) Hartman, Patricia (Jim) Janssen; his father and mother-in-law William and Anne Hammen, brothers-in-law: Maurice (Marie) Hammen, Ambrose (Ceil) Hammen, Isadore (Helen) Hammen, Ernie (Eunice) Hammen, and William (Ike) Hammen; sisters-in-law: Marie (Paul) Balgie, Agnes (Eddie) Schuler, Geraldine (Fritz) Keyzers, Florence (Eddie) Poppe, Doris (Butch) Vosters.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Hospice of the Chesapeake.
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