Obituary of Raymond G. Vander Zanden
Raymond G. Vander Zanden
Age 74, of Channahon, IL, died suddenly, Friday June 9, 2017 at his home. He was born April 10, 1943 to the late Marie Van Beek and Martin Vander Zanden in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and later moved with his family to Shiocton.
Beloved husband of 53 years to Joyce A. (Fischer) of Channahon, IL; loving father of Deborah Vander Zanden of Davenport, IA, Kathy (Hank) Bereman of Aurora, IL, Lisa (Joseph) Gumpper of North Liberty, IA and Rebecca (Robert) Blaisdell of Oswego, IL; proud grandfather of Ashley, Kayla and the late Heather Arnold; Matt and Danny Bereman; Thomas, Samantha and Sarah Gumpper; Lukas and Nolan Blaisdell. Dear brother of Mary, Marty, John, Ken, Bob, Gene, Don, Tom and Richard. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, and sisters Ann, Nell and Pat and brother Larry.
Ray earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, and spent nearly 30 years as a General Manager at GROWMARK, Inc. at various locations across the Midwest. After retirement, he worked as a realtor until he began a new career with Will County Credit Union where he enjoyed working for another 10 years.
His hobbies included fishing, camping, wood working, and most recently genealogy. He loved to watch sports and root for the Green Bay Packers. He was an avid reader and loved to learn. He kept busy as an active member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Ann Catholic Church.
Funeral services for Ray Vander Zanden will be held Friday, June 16, 2017 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Aux Sable Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the American Heart Association. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
