Richard "Dick" Van Zee

Rock Valley, IA: Richard “Dick” Van Zee, 80, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Sunday, September 2, 2018, as the result of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident in Harrison County, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 8, at 10:00 AM at Faith Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Pastors Mike Molenaar and Jeff Moes officiating. The service can also be livestreamed at www.faithrv.com. Burial will be at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Friday, September 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Faith Reformed Church. Memorials may be given to Inspiration Hills.

Richard “Dick” Lee Van Zee, son of Henry and Jean (Koele) Van Zee, was born September 5, 1937 in Hull, Iowa. Dick attended Rock Valley Community School and graduated in 1956. Following high school, Dick proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from March 1957 – October 1961. After his service in the Navy, Dick and his brother, Conrad, became third generation owners of Van Zee’s Rock Valley Block and Tile where Dick did the mechanical work from 1961-1997. Dick married Deanne Post on August 8, 1963. The couple was married for nearly 51 years until Deanne’s death on August 3, 2014. On July 2, 2017, Dick married Mary (Wallenburg) Bechler. In their short time together as husband and wife they enjoyed spending time together, traveling, visiting friends, and living life to the fullest. The joy they had together was shared with everyone they met.

Dick was a member of Rock Valley First Reformed Church, where he served on consistory. He later became a charter member and church steering committee member of Faith Reformed Church. While at Faith Reformed Church, Dick served on consistory and numerous times as the building committee chairman. He also served on the Hegg Health Center Board and volunteered at Inspiration Hills. Dick enjoyed fishing, shooting, camping, boating, snowmobiling, and traveling.

Dick’s family will remember him as a man who never asked for anything but gave everything. He was quiet, patient, steadfast and hardworking in all he did. Dick was devoted to God and had unwavering love for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed being able to attend his grandchildren’s activities. Dick honored each person he met and valued people for who they were. He was compassionate, accepting, unassuming, loving, and so very gracious and kind. His deep belly laughs and great passion for the things he believed in will be missed.

Dick is survived by his four children, Lynette (Wes) Dolieslager of Doon, IA, Michael (Greta) Van Zee of Rock Valley, Brian (Jill) Van Zee of Robinson, Texas, and Eric (Niesje) Van Zee of Rock Valley; eight grandchildren, Bailey, Cade, Breeley, Raelynn, and Coen Van Zee, Tyler, Ryan, and Kyle Dolieslager; sister, Jean Marie (Roger) Ranschau of Inwood, Iowa; brother, Conrad (Orlene) Van Zee of Rock Valley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jean; wife, Deanne; two infant grandchildren, Amanda Rose Dolieslager and Sawyer Lee Van Zee.

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