Marion G. Van Zee was born on a farm west of Pella on May 15, 1931. He died May 14, 2013, one day before his 82nd birthday. His parents were Gerrit F. and Maria (Valster) Van Zee. He was 1 ½ years old when the family moved to the Crookham farm near Leighton, Iowa. He attended the Centennial Country School. His father became blind during Marion's infancy and died when Marion was eleven years old.

Marion and his brother, Fred, farmed for his mother until Marion was called into service for his country. The family then left the farm and moved to Pella. Marion served his country on the front line during the Korean Conflict from February 13, 1952 until November 13, 1953. On November 24, 1953, Marion was united in marriage with Mary Lois Van Vark. They lived all their married life in four different homes within one block on East 1st Street and on a farm near Pella. Marion and Mary Lois were blessed with five children: Connie Eileen, Carma Jean, Galen Mark, Kevin Keith, and Madona Diane.

Marion made profession of faith at the Christian Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa, on February 25, 1951. He later transferred to the Third Reformed Church in Pella, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

Marion worked for Andeweg Transfer, Wilbur Van Ee, and Pella Canning Factory. He farmed three years for Ralph Kuiper and worked 34 years for Pella Corporation. He retired in 1994.

Marion enjoyed the outdoors and loved deer hunting in Nebraska with his sons. He helped various family members on the farm and did numerous painting jobs. He shoveled snow, sawed down trees, and cut wood for various people. He did it all joyfully as unto the Lord. Marion always helped people without pay and said it was his mission work. He dealt with a 15-year illness and never complained, often saying "we have it good, don't we, Ma."

Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Mary Lois, of nearly 60 years; his five children and their spouses: 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Will Van Zee; and three sisters: Rena Van Donselaar, Cornelia Vos, and Wilma Spoelstra. He will be greatly missed.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Charles and Elizabeth Van Vark; and brothers, Fred Van Zee and Edward Van Zee.

Family:
Wife: Mary Lois Van Zee of Pella
Children:
Connie and Verlan Van De Voort of Pella
Jessica Van De Voort of West Des Moines
Harlee Van De Voort of Pella
Mercedes Van De Voort of Pella

Carma and Gregory Clubb of Ottumwa
Kelsey Clubb of Berkeley, California

Galen and Roxanne Van Zee of Montezuma
Mary Elizabeth and Jason Krumm of Grinnell
Kaleb Krumm
Kylie Krumm
Kody Krumm
Jeffery Van Zee and fiancAC., Lindsey Mick of Altoona
Haley Van Zee
Taylor Van Zee
Kristen and Ryan Mason of Ankeny
Gracie Ball

Kevin and Jacquelyn Van Zee of Big Springs, Nebraska
Timothy Van Zee of Big Springs, Nebraska
Daniel Van Zee and fiancé, Norma Sawyers of Big Springs, Nebraska
Leah Van Zee of Big Springs, Nebraska

Madona and Russell Van Wyk of Pella
Michelle and Jason Vaughn of Pella
Trevor Vaughn-Boles
Wyatt Vaughn
Sierra Vaughn
David and Emily Van Wyk of Ankeny
Lillian Van Wyk
Derek and Danielle Van Wyk of Carlisle
Mollie and Tyler Groenendyk of Oskaloosa

DIED

May 14, 2013
Pella, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 18, 2013
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

Beginning at Noon on Friday, May 17, 2013
with family present 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Hospice of Pella
American Legion Post #89
Third Reformed Church - Sharing the Light

INTERMENT

Oakwood Cemetery
Pella, Iowa