Donald VanZee

Donald Edward Van Zee was born to Edward and Wilma (Drost) Van Zee on November 18, 1940, at his family home in Hartley, IA. He was baptized in Melvin, IA and was later confirmed in December of 1963, the same day his son, Todd, was baptized. He attended various country schools around Hartley and Oak Park, MN until the 11th grade. Don joined the US Army and honorably served from 1958-1960, stationed in Germany. After serving, Don was united in marriage on February, 22,1963, to the love of his life, Carmen Faye DeRoo. To this union three children were born: Todd, Kari and Troy. They lived in and around Cyrus, MN area, before moving to Pennock in 1964, where Don worked as the manager of Pennock Co-op Creamery, and served as fire chief, as well. Don and Carmen moved to their first farm in 1971, in rural Pennock, with milk cows, calves and chickens and, eventually adding various animals from pigs to horses and snowmobiles, near Sunburg in 1975. Don enjoyed life on the farm, growing crops, eating sweet corn and teaching his children the different “joys” of farming, like rock picking, bailing and stacking hay, with special detail given every Saturday, to manure spreading. Don farmed for 50 years and retired from farm work to supervising as “The boss man,” in 2018.

He and Carmen, along with the kids, many family members, and along with close friends, have also enjoyed many trips to Northern Manitoba, Canada. They enjoyed camping, and fishing, as long as they were spending time together. Most importantly, Don loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with a love beyond measure.