Henry John Van Zee Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Henry John Van Zee entered into glory with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 25, 2020. Henry was born on September 23, 1930, in Orange City, IA. As the youngest child and only son of Anthony and Gertrude (Ver Hoeven) Van Zee, Henry attended country school from kindergarten through seventh grade, Newkirk High School for a year, then Hospers High School, graduating in 1948. In 1951, he spent one year attending Commercial Extension Business College in Omaha, NE, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. In 1955, at the conclusion of his four-year Navy enlistment, Henry met Ruth Vermeer. After a short courtship they were married on October 21, 1955, in Bellflower, CA. Three children followed: Richard Lee (1957), Brenda Kay (1959), and Kristi Lynn (1969). After marriage, Henry sought employment as a machinist, a skill he learned in the navy. He worked as a machinist until receiving training as computer programmer. He retired in March 1992. After both Henry and Ruth retired, they spent 16 years traveling in their RVs, seeing all 50 states. Their friends joined these expeditions and together they had many adventuresome trips. Additionally, they volunteered one month each year at Cook College and Theological School in Tempe, AZ. During that time they met other friends from all over the United States who volunteered with them. Henry and Ruth faithfully attended Bethel Reformed Church in Bellflower for over 50 years where they became involved with Couples Club. Henry also served for 19 years as both elder and deacon. In 2006, they became members of Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Bellflower. Those left to cherish Henry’s memory include his wife, Ruth H. Van Zee; children, Richard (Keely) Van Zee; Brenda (Arthur) Fagan; and Kristi (Reno) Rico; as well as granddaughters Kimberly (Adam) Markowski, Krista Fagan, Anna (Jason) Hermosillo and Michael (Lizett) Rico, great grandsons Seth and Noah Markowski and great granddaughters Jade and Autumn Rico and Aubrey Hermosillo. Predeceasing him in death include his parents, Anthony and Gertrude Van Zee, his three sisters and husbands: Artie Van Kley (husbands Harley Grotenhuis and Peter Van Kley), Lavonne Hofmeyer (husband Peter W. Hofmeyer) and Eleanor Mae Vande Griend (husbands Clifford Wolfswinkel and Irwin Vande Griend). Nephews and nieces include Larry Grotenhuis, William Hofmeyer, Dale Karssen, Ila Hegland, and John Aleman (niece’s husband). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given in the name of Henry Van Zee to Artesia Christian Home, 11614 E. 183rd Street, Artesia, CA 90701.

Henry John Van Zee

September 23, 1930 - November 25, 2020