Andrew L. Vreeke, 84, formerly Ashland Ave, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the Golden Living Center where he had been residing. Born December 25, 1930 in Sheboygan, Andrew was the son of the late Edward and Nora Giedel Vreeke. He attended Sheridan Elementary School. He then went on to serve in the Merchant Marines as an oiler on the crew of the U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Steam Division aboard the Peter A.B. Wiedner from 1950 until 1955. On September 9, 1962, he was united in marriage to LuAnn L. Hackbarth in Sheboygan. They were married for 47 years before LuAnn preceded him in death on March 8, 2010. Andy was a truck driver for Borden Chemical for 27 years, retiring in 1996. He previously owned his own semi, driving for Darling Freight from 1956 until 1969. He was very proud of his driving awards and records during this time. Following retirement, he went on to work for Ryder Leasing from 1996 until 2008. He was a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ where he served as a Deacon. Andy and LuAnn enjoyed vacations to Georgia and family get togethers, special times with close friends and spending time with their grand and great grandchildren. He belonged to the McDonald's Breakfast Club, was a stock car driver and repaired bicycles. One of his greatest joys was "garage saleing" with his friend John and fixing anything he could. He always enjoyed a cup of hot coffee on Saturday morning with whoever stopped by. He is survived by his children, Wendy (Jarrod) Blacklock, Green Bay, and Troy (Jane) Vreeke, Sheboygan; his daughter-in-law, Paula Vreeke, Sheboygan; five grandchildren, Nicole (Terry) Hendrikse, Sheboygan, Justin (Jennifer) Craney, Denver, CO , Krista Vreeke, Sheboygan, Allison Vreeke, Sheboygan, Jacob Vreeke, Sheboygan; four great grandchildren, Madelyn Hendrikse, Mackena Hendrikse, Aiden Hendrikse, Alecston Hendrikse; his step sister, MaryLou Herman, Sheboygan; nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends including his special friends John and Linda Schulz. Besides his parents and wife, LuAnn, he was preceded in death by his son Robert, his sisters and brother, Eileen Woodward, Virginia Wallace and Donald Vreeke, and his faithful companion, Sidney. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2015 at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 3215 Saemann Avenue. The Rev. Lorri Steward will officiate. Relatives and friends are welcome at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be in Gardens of Peace Mausoleum. A memorial fund has been established in his name. The family would like to thank DR. Michael Johnson and staff, the nurses and staff of Golden Living Center and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Andrew's arrangements.
