- Date Of Birth: December 29, 1931
- Date Of Death: February 24, 2021
- State: Illinois
So how does one sum up a life of 89 years? Andrew’s life was centered around his faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He was a faithful husband and father, and was a witness to his faith throughout the experiences that life brought him. There are so many memories that cause his family and friends to say, “That’s Andy!” — bolo ties and cardigan sweaters; pocket protectors and papers neatly piled; mirrors and combs; mowing the lawn in a shirt and tie; his metal lunch box with a “just-jelly” sandwich; picking raspberries behind the garage, closing the cupboards and dimming the lights; taking pictures of the family with the lens cap on; referring to Mom as, “my dear wife”.
We think of these memories as a life full of color. Andrew’s occupation began as a painter and progressed to building a family busines focused on serving people with his eye for color. And what better way to describe his life than through the imagery of color.
One brush stroke of color in Andrew’s life was his passion for music. His passion included singing in church choir from his youth to old age, attending concerts and attending musical performances of his children and grandchildren. Andy and Alberta enjoyed attending all these together, but Andy attended operas alone. Singing hymns with the family while Alberta played the piano was a special blessing to Andy and a way to worship the Lord together.
Another warm and rich color of his life was his love of family and friends. Andrew loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow, while being a positive influence in their lives. Grandpa always gave positive, encouraging words. A complementary color were the many close friends that journeyed with them along life’s path. They shared, laughed and had fun together.
The most prominent color in Andy’s life was his love of the church. An active member in his church, he served as an elder for many years and loved to be involved in Bible studies. He especially enjoyed the friendships that developed while attending His Men Bible study group. Andrew believed in the power of Biblical preaching and made it a priority to be in church whenever the doors were open. While Andy & Alberta loved to travel to many states and countries, their most memorable vacations included attending Ligonier Conferences in FL.
Another softer hue in Andy’s color palate is “learning”. Andy had a passion to learn and he was able to continue learning throughout his lifetime. He read many books and listened to teachings and stayed current with political events. He enjoyed discussing (or debating) different issues which benefitted any who listened. He was concerned with issues in the church and wanted to have a Biblical perspective on his thinking and living.
The colors of Andy’s life become more muted in his final years as he and his family dealt with the difficulties of Alzheimer’s. As his memory faded and once lively conversations became fewer, the ‘colors’ in his life remained vibrant. Music remained not only a love, but became a means of staying connected to God and family. Even while memory loss robbed him of much, color remained a passion of Andy’s as he colored beautiful pictures with his care-givers. Even as his body and memory slowly failed, he continued to be an example to his family through his caring heart, gentleness, and patience. Despite his illness and confinement, he continued to testify to God’s faithfulness to him in his life, often saying, “I’m thankful and blessed! God’s goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life and I will dwell in his house forever.”
God first used the rainbow to make a promise of his faithfulness to Noah. Andy experienced God’s faithfulness throughout his life. We are grateful that the rainbow of color in Andy’s life was also a witness of God’s faithfulness to those who put their faith and trust in Him.
Andrew Vander Zee, age 89, of South Holland, IL passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Alberta Mae Vander Zee, nee Zylstra. Loving father of Deanne (John) Dykstra, Marilyn (Tom) Fast, Don (Jackie) Vander Zee, Alison (Dave) Veurink, and Jan (Mark) DeMars. Devoted grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of the late Richard (Albertha) Vander Zee, Willard (Arlene) Vander Zee, Evelyn (Warren) Brunsting, and the late Joyce (Dave) Bloemendaal. Also, preceded in death by his parents John and Theressa Vander Zee and an infant brother Gerald J. Vander Zee. Andy owned and operated Lansing Paint & Supply (Towne Interiors) in Lansing for many years. He was a graduate of the first graduating class at Illiana Christian High School, a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of South Holland for many years, and a proud United States Korean War Army veteran. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
