Howard Van Zee, Platte

Howard J. Van Zee, 82, of Platte, died Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at the Platte Health Center. He was born on Oct. 4, 1930.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church. Burial will follow in New Holland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Mount Funeral Home, of Platte, is assisting with funeral arrangements.

He was born to John H. and Jessie (De Jong) Van Zee in New Holland. He attended school in New Holland and Platte.

He was united in marriage to Betty J. Teeselink on April 21, 1950, in Corsica.

One of Howard’s greatest achievements was owning and operating Van Zee Motor Sales in New Holland for 40 years, selling Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth cars and pickups.

Howard was a lifelong member of the New Holland Christian Reformed Church, belonged to the National Automobile Dealers Association and enjoyed new, as well as, antique cars. Time spent with grandchildren was always special to him.

Grateful for having shared in Howard’s life: his wife of over 62 years, Betty Van Zee, of Platte; their four children: Laura Woudstra of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Jeris (Maylene) Van Zee, Sioux Falls; Terry (Marguerite) Van Zee; Geddes; and Kristi (Curtis) Pheifer, Platte; nine grandchildren; nine greatgrandchildren; a sister, Pearl Munneke of Rock Valley, Iowa; mother-in-law, Gertrude Teeselink; three sisters-in-law: Char (Rich) Vilenberg, MaryLou (Larry) Brink, and Jill Gruenewald; along with several nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by: his parents; granddaughter Jessie Joy Pheifer; a sister, Delia Veurink and husband, Gradus; and brother-in-law Lloyd Munneke.

Memorials in Howard’s honor may be directed to: Dakota Christian School, 37614 SD Hwy 44, Corsica, S.D., 57328.

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