Rev. Eugene Van Zee

Rev. Eugene (“Gene”) Henry Van Zee passed away at the age of 70, on Sunday, July 21, 2019, in Riverside, California. He was born on October 27, 1948, to the late Marguerite (Van Rheenen) Van Zee, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Gene met the love of his life, his best friend, Anna Jean, while they both attended Central University of Iowa. Gene and Anna Jean were blessed with more than 48 years of marriage filled with raising their family, traveling the world, and dedicating their lives to the service of Jesus Christ. Gene graduated in 1971 from Central University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan in 1974. During his forty-five years serving the Lord, Gene was a pastor of Southgate Community Church, Hemet Valley Reformed Church and Faith Community Church in Hemet, California. Gene spent many years serving as a fire chaplain and will always be remembered for his service to and lasting impact on the Hemet/San Jacinto community. Gene enjoyed backpacking, hiking, and spending time near the ocean. Anna Jean described him as loving, caring, and self-sacrificing. Gene will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Anna Jean; 3 caring children: Angela (Keith) Taylor, Andrew (Kristie) Van Zee, and Amy (Patrick) McGuin; 11 amazing grandchildren: Davis, Noah, Eliza, Vivian, Joel, Shayne, Sam, Micah, Evan, Elliot, and Hudson; and 4 siblings: Larry Van Zee, Judy Vande Kamp, Klaas Van Zee, and Marla Vander Lugt. He was preceded in death by his adorable grandson, Gabriel Taylor.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, at Miller-Jones Mortuary, located at 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 11:00 AM, at Fellowship Baptist Church, located at 375 N. Sanderson, Hemet. Interment will be held privately.