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Andrew G. Van Zee, 85, of Platte, SD passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 in Grafton, IL. Funeral Services are 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Andrew G. Van Zee was born on October 28, 1932 to Gerrit and Hattie (DeLange) Van Zee at their home in Harrison, SD. He attended New Holland Christian Grade School through the eighth grade. On April 15, 1952 Andy was united in marriage to Eileen Ligtenberg at the Christian Reformed Church in Corsica, SD. To this union five children were born: Judy, Jerry, Linda, Lori and Lisa.

Andy had many endeavors – first, farming with his father-in-law, operating a Plaster Factory, then a Plastic Factory in Platte, SD where he produced souvenirs along with other figurines that were sold at gift shops at Mount Rushmore, Yellow Stone National Park and in the surrounding areas and states. He then began raising cattle, which was the love of his life. He also had an orchard and market in Illinois.

Those that knew him always said he could sell snow to an Eskimo! Andy was also a cattle buyer for many years. He was quite a hunter and had many mounted trophies to show for it.

Grateful for having shared in Andy’s life: his wife of 66 years, Eileen Van Zee of Platte, SD; four children, 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren: Judy (Harley) Sprik of Platte, SD parents of: Tamara (John) Trammel – Tyler, Troy (Kristina) Sprik – Trevor, Brady, Halle and Hayden, Kimlyn (Brent) Powers – Samantha and Jeremiah, Andree (Gabriel) Lira – Avery and Abigail; Jerry (Betty) Van Zee of Platte, SD parents of: Jessica (Troy) Rempfer – Tayla and Tayden, Buck (April) Van Zee – Bane, Bennet, Tucker and Shaylene, Sean (Maria) Van Zee, Jacque (Eric) Summerville – Grace and Riley; Linda (Joel) Olivier of Presho, SD parents of: Cody Olivier – Lane and Abigail, Clay Olivier – Chesney and Quincy, Charis (Tyrell) Bischoff – Oakley and Cinch; Lisa (Robert) Creasey of Geddes, SD parents of: Bailey Creasey – Riley; son-in-law, Doug Dyk and wife, Roxane of Platte, SD parents of: Travis (Farrah) Dyk – Lydia and Dominic, Tyson Dyk (friend, Maggie Foxley) – Paxton and Owen; two sisters: Mae Knoll and Helen Dyk; a brother-in-law, LeRoy Bruinsma; along with many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Dyk (1999); a great grandson, Kegan Trammel; his parents, Gerrit and Hattie Van Zee; three brothers: Andrew (in infancy), Albert and Herman Van Zee; and two sisters: Genevieve Hansum and Mary Lou Bruinsma.

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