Jodi Leigh Vander Zee-Dyrek

Jodi Leigh Vander Zee-Dyrek, 46, of Cedar Lake, IN, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 with loved ones at her side. She is survived by her beloved husband of five years, Mark Dyrek; her daughter, Bayleigh Vander Zee; and two stepsons, Thomas and Daniel Dyrek. She was the dear daughter of Joanne and the late William M. Reinsma, Sr.; the loving sister of William Reinsma, Jr., and Becky (Scott) Krett; the cherished aunt of Olivia, Leigha, Conley and Gracie Krett; the niece of John (Ellen) Reinsma; the daughter-in-law of Vincent and Nancy Dyrek; loving cousin of Tracee Harris, Julie Nikkel and Dr. Mark Nikkel; and the sister-in-law of Kristin Eaton. Jodi is also survived by many other relatives and friends, and by her dear friend Rachel Anker-Wooley.

Jodi was a Kindergarten teacher at Monee Elementary School for over 20 years beginning in 1998, where she touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career. She was always the life of the party and was always willing to help anyone with anything. She was a people person and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, playing outdoors, and traveling. She went to Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana, and enjoyed participating in the Overcomers group there. During her 16 year journey of battling cancer, she never lost faith in the Lord.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane in Dyer. The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Andy Nearpass officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lansing. Memorial contributions may be given to the Overcomers of Faith Church, 100 West 81st Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 or the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9899 Main St., Damascus, MD 20872. For further information, please contact (219) 322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.