Melbourne Gene Van Zee

Melbourne Gene Van Zee was born December 19, 1929 in Grand Rapids, MI to Bill and Bessie Van Zee. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1949. He married Lillian Grose on May 19, 1953 and they celebrated 63 years together before her passing in 2016. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He lived in Grand Rapids Michigan and worked for Western Electric. Mel and Lil also had a cottage on Cobb Lake in Wayland, Mi enjoyed by many family members and friends. When Mel retired, they moved to Fort Myers, FL in 1989. He attended The Salvation Army Church in Ft. Myers. Mel enjoyed working to fix and update the cottage. They loved to cruise in retirement and often took many family members along for the ride. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed having the little ones around.

He passed away August 24, 2022 after a battle with COVID at the age of 92, ready in his heart to see his Lord and to be reunited to loved ones who passed before him.

He is survived by his children: Robin (Paul) Nyenhuis of Wayland Michigan, Kathy (Bill) Hogg of Decatur, IL, Kevin (Christie) Van Zee of Novi, Michigan. Grandchildren: Sara (Justin) Egan, Katie (Jason) Distelrath, Tim Nyenhuis, Kristy Hogg, John Van Zee, Adam (Amy) Van Zee, David (Shanele) Van Zee, Kelli Hogg, and 9 great grandchildren, Lily, Faith, Caleb, Hannah, Elijah, Josiah, Luke, Emily, Ben, and a host of nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lillian, his brother Edward (and June) Van Zee.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held this fall near Grand Rapids, MI. More details with location and date will be announced soon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/fort-myers-cremation for the Van Zee family.