Harold ("Van") Richard Van Zanten passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 85 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, due to complications related to end-stage Parkinson's disease. Van was born on November 19, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After serving three years in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology and worked as an auto mechanic for 42 years at Suburban Chevrolet in Hopkins and Eden Prairie. After residing more than 30 years in the Lake Minnetonka area, in 1999 he moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, to enjoy his retirement.
Van was preceded in death by his parents, Basil Van Zanten and Marie (Freiermuth) Van Zanten; daughter, Stacy Van Zanten, and an older brother, Richard Van Zanten. He is survived by his daughters Julia (Jonas) Sjoberg and Kristina (Cody) Woods; grandchildren, Kajsa Sjoberg, Michael Sparks, Morgen Woods, and Isaac Woods; and former wife, Mary Sanko.
Van will be honored and remembered at a private family ceremony with burial at Sunset Cemetery in St. Anthony.
