Albert Joe Van Zee was born November 1, 1935, to Bert and Johanna (Willemsen) Van Zee, at their home in Otley, Iowa. Albert grew up in the Otley area, attended Liberty Country School and lived in the Otley area his entire life.

On August 23, 1968, Albert was united in marriage to Renee Rooda at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. To this union they welcomed two daughters to the family, Leanna and Julie.

Albert worked in assembly for Vermeer Manufacturing for 30 years before retiring in 2001. In his spare time, he enjoyed bicycling,  rode in RAGBRAI twice, and several Vermeer employee biking trips. He also loved spending time outdoors, watching the wildlife and fishing.

Albert was an active member of First Christian Reformed Church, where he served as deacon, elder, sang in the choir, men's quartet and was a catechism teacher. He loved the Lord and had a strong faith. Every day he would kneel by his bedside in prayer until physical limitations would not allow. He lovingly cared for his wife at home for eight years, until she passed in 2007.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters:

Leanna Van Zee of Otley

Julie (Louis) Smothers of Waukee, Iowa

Ethan Smothers (Jaelyn Nielson)

Austin Smothers

Nathan Smothers

He is also survived by his brother John Van Zee, and his sister Harriet (Merlin) Van Vark, all of Pella, Iowa.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife Renee Van Zee, his parents Bert and Johanna Van Zee, parents-in-law Andrew and Clara Rooda, sister-in-law Edith Van Zee, brothers-in-law: Stanley Rooda, Gerrit Rooda, and Henry Rooda, and nephew Larry Van Vark.

Connect Church
914 Liberty Street, Pella IA 50219