LeOra M. Van Zee, 93, of Hudson, Wis., formerly of Prairie City, Iowa, passed away on Jan. 1, 2013, at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. LeOra was born on April 3, 1919, the daughter of Andrew Douwe and Maude Mae (Roberts) Jensma, on a farm near Prairie City, Iowa.

She attended Bear Grove Country School and graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1936. She taught country school for many years, and while teaching elementary school in Prairie City, Iowa, completed her degree in elementary education at Drake University. LeOra retired from teaching after 36 years in the classroom.

On Nov. 7, 1940, LeOra was united in marriage to Raymond Van Zee at her parents’ home near Prairie City, Iowa. They farmed northeast of Prairie City until Raymond’s death in 1990. They enjoyed traveling and vacationed many winters in Texas and Arkansas. They loved camping and spontaneous parties with friends and neighbors. Grandchildren Jed, Jamie, and Jonathan have wonderful memories of time spent with Grandpa Raymond and Grandma LeOra camping and experiencing farm life during summer visits. LeOra loved gardening, cooking, and quilt making, an interest shared with her mother. She made many beautiful quilts, including one for each grandchild given to them upon graduation from high school.