Photo courtesy of Smits Funeral Home - Dyer
Dyer, Indiana
Dec 9, 1933 – Apr 19, 2020 (Age 86)
Click here to VIEW Richard's Graveside Service
Richard Vander Zee, age 86, of South Holland, IL, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020 at St. James Hospital. Beloved husband of Albertha Mae “Birdie” Vander Zee, nee Van Zanten. Loving father of Joel (Rebecca) Vander Zee, Carl (Patsi) Vander Zee, Trent (Tracy) Vander Zee, Nathan Vander Zee, Vera Vander Zee, Hanna (Brian) Neradt and Evan Vander Zee. Proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren. Dear brother of Andrew (Alberta) Vander Zee, Willard (Arlene) Vander Zee, Evelyn (Warren) Brunsting, the late Gerald Vander Zee and the late Joyce (Dave) Bloemendaal. Kind uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents John and Theressa Vander Zee.
Private family graveside service will be held Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL with Pastor Cary Gephart officiating. This service will be live streamed on Facebook from Smits Funeral Home website (www.SMITSFH.com). Memorial contributions may be given to Chicagoland Prison Outreach. During this time of limited services, we encourage you to leave a message of condolence for the family on our online guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300.
At 86 years, dear Rich breathed his last
‘Twas COVID that took him, and my, it went fast
Alzheimer’s had clouded his mind for some years
This last suffering added, brought us all to tears
Cherished husband and dad, was a great fix-it man
Made trellis, gazebo, and gardened a span
Loved puzzles and reading, wrote poetry—all kinds
But the Bible was what he put first in our minds
Served as elder, choir member at church Cottage Grove
Spoke up boldly if e’er from the truth one did rove
A love for the inmates kept him going back
To teach Bible and English with CPO pack (Chicagoland Prison Outreach)
Building homes and remodels became his “home work”
After teaching career had brought him full cirque
A faithful provider who spent with great care
So his seven young birdlets never lacked fare
He had married his “Birdie” at age thirty-four
After time spent in college, the Army, and more
When he joked, “Waited long, for so little” ‘bout his wife
Was her size, not her worth; she en-Rich-ed his life
In the Lord’s sight is precious the death of his saint
With our eyes on God’s promise, our hearts will not faint
Hear the words that serve as our balm in this strife:
“Though one dies, he shall live!” Christ is eternal life.
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My sympathy to the Vander Zee family. My husband Mike taught at Dordt with Rich many years ago.
Mike passed away April 7, 2020 from Alzheimers. He too had a non-traditional funeral. But we can rejoice that they are both no longer suffering and are experiencing the joys of heaven!
Nancy Vanden Bosch
April 29, 2020 | Sioux Center, IA
All the Rosinski's remember Rich as a teacher and a brother in the Lord.
Jim, Sharon, Aaron, Mark, Joel Rosinski
April 28, 2020 | South Holland, IL | Friend
My condolences to the VanderZee family. My prayers will be with you in this time of sorrow. May God bless you.
Nick HONG
April 27, 2020 | Urbana, IL | Friend
VanderZee Family, we pray for comfort and mercy during this time of loss.
May God bless you and keep you.
Fred & Nita Venhuizen
April 27, 2020 | Crete, IL | Acquaintance
Our hearts are saddened. Our memories are treasured. Our love is sent your way. May the comfort of this love and the joy of our faith bring comfort to you, our dear friend. We walk with you in this time of mourning in the light of our risen Lord. Our prayers for you and your family. Peace to you all.
Bill and Karen Faulkner
April 27, 2020 | Glenville, NY | Friend
My condolences. My prayers will be with you in this time of sorrow.
Chris Li
April 26, 2020 | Grand Prairie, TX | Friend
May our Lord be very near to you and your family in this time. We are praying for peace.
Bill & Elaine De Young
April 25, 2020 | South Holland, IL | Friend
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Rich was truly a remarkable man and left a very positive impression on us. We will always remember him for his positivity, wit, kindness and hospitality. We always felt right at home with your family, and loved the hymn sings also. Our prayers are with your family as you grieve this void in your daily lives. God bless
Rita and Hussein Wario
April 25, 2020 | Lansing, IL | Friend
My heart goes out to you and your family Vera. As you endure your time of sorrow, may you all be comforted with the many happy family memories your dad and mom provided. Life is many seasons, suffering before death is one, grief after loss is another; but Almighty GOD never allows more than we can endure when we trust in HIS mercy and eternal purpose.
Godspeed beautiful Vera
Love and miss you.
Belinda Wolke
April 24, 2020 | Thornton, IL | Friend
