Cyril E. Van Driesche 98, a life long resident of Baker City, Ore., died Friday July 10, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 16, 2009, 10 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, 2235 1st St. Reverend Julian Cassar celebrant the Mass. Interment followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Military honors were accorded by the Oregon National Guard Honor Guard. Visitation was held Wednesday, at the Coles Funeral Home from noon until 5 p.m.
Mr. Van Driesche was born April 5, 1911 in Baker City, Ore., a son of Julius and Alida (Scherrens) Van Driesche. He attended and graduated from St. Francis Academy in Baker City. He married Clara J. Carpenter at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in New Plymouth, Idaho.
He started working for the Oregon Lumber Company right out of high school in 1929. He worked 16 years and then went to White Pine Lumber Company, eventually working at Burnt River, then Ellingson Lumber Company working as a lumber grader until his retirement.
In 1941 he was drafted into the US Army serving in the 309th Combat Engineer, 54th Division and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge.
He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral.
Mr. Van Driesche is survived by a brother, Marcel Van Driesche, Oregon, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister and brother.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in his memory may direct them to Pathway Hospice or Best Friends, this may be done through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, July 23, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor