Don Vande Zande

Don Vande Zande, age 81, affectionately known as “Slick,” passed away on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at the Christian Homestead in Waupun after a courageous battle with Alzheimers for the last few years. 

Don attended Waupun High School and was very involved in the Waupun and Alto communities. He was employed for most of his career with Waupun Public Utilities as a Comptroller for 31 years, retiring in 2001. Don had numerous passions, which included being an avid deer hunter at a cabin around Solon Springs for 50 years, singing and directing gospel music with the Gospel Tones Quartet, and at Alto Reformed Church Men’s Choir for several decades. His passions also included playing softball for 30 years, serving on numerous boards of directors including Kiwanis, Flyway Mutual Insurance, Marine Credit Union, and the consistory at Alto Reformed Church, traveling, and being a “snow bird” for numerous years with his wife Pat in Florida. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the Alto Fire Department for many years.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Pat; their 3 children: Dan (Patsy) Vande Zande of Brookfield, Randy Vande Zande of Waupun, and Todd (Tiffany) Vande Zande of Pewaukee; 4 grandchildren: Corinne (Nathan) Grinwald of Plymouth, Corey (Alyssa) Vande Zande of Oconomowoc, Riah Vande Zande of Milwaukee, and Brynn Vande Zande of Milwaukee; 3 great-grandchildren: Ruby, Ellie, and Peyton; his older sister, Beverly Kowalski of Waupun; and brother Ronald (Jean) Vande Zande of Waupun. Don also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and close friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Hazel; brothers: Roy and Harvard; mother and father-in-law, James and Henrietta Schouten; and a great grandchild.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, fondly remembered for his laugh, his smile, his story telling, his passion for music, and his love for his family.

Funeral services for Don Vande Zande will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Alto Reformed Church with Pastor Kevin Van Wyk officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 4-7 PM at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun, and on Thursday at the Alto Reformed Church from 9:30 AM until the 10:30 AM time of service.

A special thanks to all those who cared for Don at Harbor Haven in Fond du lac, and The Homestead in Waupun.