George B. Van Zee

George B. Van Zee, 91, of Newton went to be with the Lord, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in the care of Iowa River Hospice, at Newton Health Care Center.

George, the oldest son of Martin and Pieternella (Meppelink) Van Zee, was born March 24, 1924, on a farm north of Prairie City. He graduated from Flint Ridge Country School and Prairie City High School, Class of 1941. He worked on the family farm and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, before moving to Newton, where he met Carol Wilson of Monroe. They were married June 1, 1953, and were blessed with three children. George worked in retail lumber and hardware before moving in 1968 to Arizona, where he worked as an Environmental Superintendent for health care facilities until retirement. In 2005 George and Carol returned “home“ to Newton. He enjoyed working on cars and was a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club and Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton. He also enjoyed family, music and reading.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carol, Son Craig (Margie) Van Zee of Westlake Village, Calif.; Daughters: Deanna (Harold) Manley of Newton and Lori (Tom) DiGiambatista of Phoenix, Ariz.; Grandchildren: Nathan (Ashley) DiGiambatista, Jordan DiGiambatista, Siena Van Zee, Ethan DiGiambatista, Bethany DiGiambatista, Samantha Van Zee and Shaye Van Zee; Brothers, Herman (Kathryn) Van Zee of Prairie City and Donald (Dorothy) Van Zee of Hiawatha; Sister Ruth Davenport of Boerne, Texas.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joan Erlandson; and brother Robert Van Zee.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, with a viewing before the service at 10 a.m., and a lunch following the services. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607, Immanuel Baptist Church or to George’s family, in his name. Burial will be in Waveland Cemetery near Prairie City.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.pencefh.com.