Garry Van Zee
Garry Van Zee, 84, of Sioux Falls, SD, walked into the arms of Jesus after a life well lived on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the church. Visitation will also resume one hour prior to the funeral service at church on Wednesday. Burial will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Memorials may be directed to Sioux Falls Christian School or First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls in Garry's name.
Garry was born on November 12, 1941, in Douglas County, South Dakota, to Albert and Florence (Feenstra) Van Zee. Garry grew up on the family farm near New Holland, SD, and after completing the eighth grade, he worked for various local farmers to help support his family. In his late teenage years, he was employed by Friendly Gas in Platte, SD, where he met the love of his life, Gloria Mae DeJong.
Garry and Gloria were married on August 2, 1963, in Platte. They lived there until 1966, when they moved to Sioux Falls, SD. For the next 42 years, he worked at John Morrel and was able to achieve perfect attendance during his entire time there. He also worked for a local farmer for 35 years, which he greatly enjoyed and allowed him to further provide for his family. Together, Garry and Gloria raised two children, Rylan and Janae.
Garry was an avid fisherman who cherished time spent on the lake with family and friends. Many treasured memories were made during camping and fishing trips back to Platte. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, family gatherings, and going out to eat with loved ones. Above all, Garry found his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his positivity, warm smile, and storytelling, Garry was an encouragement to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Gloria Van Zee of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Rylan (Tricia) Van Zee of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Janae (Matt) Marcus of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica) Van Zee of Holland, MI, Dylan Van Zee of Sioux Falls, SD, Julia Marcus of Sioux Falls, SD, and Claire Marcus of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters, Elaine Visscher of Orange City, IA, and Harriet Tobin of Naples, FL; brothers, Jerome (Betty) Van Zee of Rapid City, SD, Alvin (Cheryl) Van Zee of Corsica, SD, and Ron (Linda) Van Zee of Omaha, NE; and sister-in-law, Judy Even of Sioux Falls, SD. Garry is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Florence (Feenstra) Van Zee; in-laws, Albert and Gertrude DeJong; and brothers-in-law, Al Visscher and John Tobin.