Lester E. Van Zee was born March 20, 1925. He was the second child of Andrew E. and Trynie (De Wild) Van Zee. He grew up in the Pella area and received his education at the Valley Country School, in Marion County, and was a 1942 graduate of Pella High School.

On February 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Gertrude Mae Stravers at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. They were blessed with five children:  Daryl, Sharon, Ruth, Brenda and Brian.

During their first few years of marriage, Lester and Gertrude farmed together until 1957. Following that, Lester, worked with his brother Clarence, at Van Zee Pump and Plumbing and then owned and operated Van Zee Electric Motor Service. He retired when he was 62.

Lester was involved with Pella Christian Schools where he sent his children. He belonged to Cornerstone Church of Pella (formerly Second Christian Reformed Church) where he was active as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, building committee and much more. He spent many years going with the young people of church on mission trips to Cary, Mississippi. He was known as a jack-of-all-trades, and was always ready to help anyone fix or solve problems. In 1966 he built his family a house at 1011 East Third, and in 1970 he built the house at 700 West 4th.  Lester and Gertrude traveled to Florida for several winters and did a lot of traveling with friends. They also enjoyed camping close to home. He enjoyed reading his Bible, praying, fishing, and helping others. After he retired, he spent many days helping his kids and grandkids loving his time with them. Lester liked the outdoors and spending time on Daryl's acreage. He moved to the Pella Manor in the fall of 2019. In 2021, he moved to The Cottages for care due to a fall. While there, he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. Even at 100 he still enjoyed discussing projects and giving knowledgeable advice.  He went into hospice care in April 2025, until his passing on May  20, 2025.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife Gertrude, his parents A.E. and Trynie Van Zee, stepmother Josie (Vroom) Van Zee,  parents-in-law Marinus and Allie Stravers, and Bessie Stravers, brother  Clarence and Loretta Van Zee, and sister Lucille and Ralph Van Wyk.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children and their families:

Daryl and Judy Van Zee of Pella

Byron and Clarissa Van Zee

Asher, Annika, Ara

Tony and Sarah Van Zee

Serenity

Grant Van Zee

Sharon and Tom Walker of Pella

Matt Walker and Jennifer Ward

Taylor, Carmen, Isaac, Conner, Ashton

Daniel and Danielle Walker

Xavia, Haylee, Madison, Corbin, Jaxson, Zealynn

Joseph Walker

Remi

Ruth Hartgers of Pella

Ben Curtis

Amber and Victor Cordoza

Aubrey

Brenda and Charlie Bottorff of Adel

Chad and Ashley Bottorff

Zander, Deagan, Eowyn

Kendra and John Curran

Tyler Bottorff

Brian Van Zee and Kristie Keller of Knoxville

Brooke and Cherri Koester

Justin and Whitney Koester

AJ, Ky, Ripleigh, J Mac, Keileigh, Hayden, Easton

Bailey Koester

Jordan, Shelby, Levi

Brady Van Zee

Kyle Draper

Casey Pyle

Nevaeh Love, Brianna Jo

Kelli and Tanner Salsberry

Demi Jo, Devyn Jo

Hearthstone Good Samaritan Fund