Jacob Gene Van Zee

Jacob Gene Van Zee, 91, of Platte, SD passed away on Saturday June 7, 2025 at Friendship Manor in Shakopee, MN.

“Gene” was born on August 15, 1933 to Gerrit J and Margaret (VanDerWeff) Van Zee at the family farm in Douglas County, SD.  Gene attended country school through the 8th Grade.  After his father passed away, he stayed at home to help his Mom take care of the farm and family.  On January 19, 1954 Gene was drafted into the Army.  He served in the Army for 16 months which included time in Korea where he loaded and unloaded ships.  After returning home he continued to work on the farm. 

On September 10, 1968 Gene was united in Marriage to Helen Jean Carda in Minneapolis, MN.  Together they farmed for over 12 years before moving into Platte, SD.  Gene continued to farm and purchased the family farm from his loving sister Arlene Fiscus in the early 1990s.  He was involved in farming for over 65 years.   Anyone that knew Gene understood his passion for hunting.  Many trips to Canada with family and friends were cherished memories for Gene.  Along with his wife Helen, they loved the Minnesota Twins.  His family took him on a very memorable 80th birthday trip to see them play. He enjoyed visiting and playing cards with friends and was very close to so many of his nieces and nephews. 

Grateful for having shared in Gene’s life; a daughter, Jacqueline Jean (Darren) Bogle of Littleton, CO; a granddaughter, Haley Bogle of Fort Collins, CO; three sisters: Arlene Fiscus of Shakopee, MN, Gladys (Gordon) Kuehl of St. Michael, MN and Donna Blomberg of Zimmerman, MN; in-laws: Norma Van Zee of Platte, SD,  Dave (Eileen) Carda of Geddes, SD, Laddie (Doris) Carda of Slayton, MN, and Carol (Bob) Treft of Sioux City, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 48 years Helen Van Zee, his parents Gerrit and Margaret Van Zee, three siblings: Clara Iverson (Lyle Gaulke and Vic Iverson), John (Juna Mae) Van Zee, and Maurice Van Zee, his father and mother-in-law Leo and Agnes Carda; and in-laws: Jim Qualm, Al Fiscus, Terry Blomberg, Pat (Karl) Vasek, Gary (Becky) Carda, Kenny (Maxine) Carda, Denny Carda in infancy, Donald Carda, Donna Carda in infancy and Arlene (Billy) Vander Ham.

Memorials in Gene’s honor may be directed to:  American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 433, Platte, SD 57369.

Funeral held at New Holland Christian Reformed Church on June 30, 2025 at 2:00pm.

Church address: 100 Church Avenue, New Holland, SD 57364

Burial service to follow at New Holland Christian Reformed Cemetery.

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