Willard D. Van Zuiden, 78, of Albany, IL, died on Tuesday morning, August 15, 2017, at his home.
Willard was born on December 10, 1938, in Morrison, IL, to William J. and Fannie (Ven Huizen) Van Zuiden. He married Evelyn Wiersema on October 5, 1956, in Fulton, IL. She preceded him in death on April 20, 2013.
Willard worked for his brother at Van Zuiden Trucking in Albany for 11 years, later purchasing the business. He continued to operate the business for 33 years until his retirement in 2003. Willard served as trustee for the Village of Albany for ten years and was a member of Albany United Methodist Church.
Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Denise (Robert) Smither of Albany; his sons, Roger (Lori) Van Zuiden of Nineveh, IN, and Todd (Paula) Van Zuiden of Albany; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Grace Boelkins of Morrison, Darlene (Robert) Wiebenga of Albany, and Margaret Moynihan of Boston, MA; his brothers, Harvey (Arlene) Van Zuiden of Morrison, Howard (Jan) Van Zuiden of Fulton, and Ronald (Linda) Van Zuiden of Erie, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a great grandson, a sister, Genevieve Juist, and four brothers, Gerald, Maynard, I. Jay, and Wayne Van Zuiden.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 18, 2017, at McDonald Funeral Home, 1601 16th Avenue, in Fulton, IL.
A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the funeral home, with Pastor Barb Issacs and Pastor Toni Lucas, officiating.
Burial of the cremains will follow at Fulton Township Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to Albany United Methodist Church or Genesis Hospice.
To send condolences visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.