Steven Van Zee

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Steven Van Zee, 90, of Miller, passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Miller, Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. A visitation will begin an hour prior to the Mass at the church. 

Steve was born September 2, 1933, in Miller, South Dakota to Garritt and Anna (Vlasek) Van Zee. He attended school at Hass Country School until his junior year before staying to work full time on the family farm and obtained his GED later. When he came of age, he joined the United States Air Force and spent four years serving. He had many stories and memories, but the best thing about his time spent serving in the Air Force was the lifelong friendships he made and kept throughout the years.

After an honorable discharge in 1957, he returned home to the family farm and began his life’s work, farming, with his brother, Del. Steve had a determined, can-do attitude when it came to working, often saying things like “Someone’s gotta do it.” When a bad day happened, he would say “Some days are like that, some days are worse.” He had no fear, which was not always fun for his daughter, Bernadette, following him on a fourwheeler, but did come in handy when someone had to climb to the top of the grain bin. Even in Steve’s later years, you could never take his thoughts off the farm.

On an ordinary day, Steve stopped in at Del’s and met Judith Free. Judy was from England but was in the area visiting a friend when their paths happened to cross. It wasn’t long before they were married and started a family of their own. It was love at first sight, as both would attest throughout their 60-year marriage.

Steve was always trying to help others, whether it was stopping to fix a broken down car or help a stranger take a family picture. In addition to farming, he sold seed corn, salt, and Arts-Way feeder wagons to local farmers. He enjoyed the work, and it was a great way for him to stay in touch with his neighbors and community. Through the company, Steve and Judy were able to travel to places around the world, including Portugal, Jamaica, and Hawaii.

Steve had a sincere love for his grandchildren. He and Judy made efforts to attend events for every one of Jaclynn’s activities, from elementary school piano recitals to college graduation. Video calls and visits with Zoë and Izaäk would brighten his day for weeks after. You always knew when Steve’s grandkids were around because Steve would be smiling and beaming with pride.

Steve is survived by his three children: Philip of Sioux Falls, Bernadette (Kenny Kuper) of Miller, and Chris (Amanda) of Forest Grove, OR; three grandchildren: Jaclynn (Aaron Curry) of Sioux Falls, and Zoë and Izaäk of Forest Grove, OR; brother, Renus; sisters-in-law, Ginger Van Zee and Tina (David Ferrar) Horecki of Reading, England; and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded by his parents; wife, Judith; brothers: Delmar, Eugene, Elvin, and Desmond; and three infant siblings.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Steve's arrangements.