Lauren G. Vande Zande

Lauren G. Vande Zande, age 87 of Waupun, passed away on Monday, May 5, 208 at the Christian Home in Waupun.

Lauren was born on August 18, 1920 in the Town of Chester, Dodge County, the son of Henry T. and Josie (Ten Pas) Vande Zande. He was educated at area schools and attended the farm short course at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a boy he was active in Fond du Lac County 4-H, particularly showing cattle in the dairy project. On April 2, 1949, Lauren was married to Jean Glewen at the home of the bride’s parents in Waupun.

Lauren was a veteran of World War II, serving his county from 1942 – 1948. He received the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart for wounds received in Germany. Lauren spent the last three years of his enlistment in Army hospitals recuperating from combat injuries, and received his medical discharge in October 1948 from Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. He greatly appreciated the help he received from the Veterans Administration following his discharge.

For the first two years of their marriage, Lauren was a prison guard in Waupun, and then for four years, was manager of the Dodge County Farm at Juneau. In 1955, they returned to Waupun, and have farmed in the Town of Chester since that time.

Lauren was a charter member of the Trinity Reformed Church in Waupun where he served as an elder, Sunday School Superintendent, and as a teacher for Sunday School and Catechism. He also served on the Missions Committee of the Classis of Wisconsin.

Lauren was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 210 and Beaver Dam Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the board of directors for the Farmers Elevator in Waupun for thirty-nine years where he served in the capacity of secretary and president. Lauren was a lifetime member of Holstein Association of America and very much enjoyed raising and working with registered Holstein dairy cattle.

The most important aspect of Lauren’s life was his faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. In addition to his responsibilities in his church, he was a volunteer teacher for twelve years at the Monday evening Bible Study for the Dodge Correctional Institution of Waupun. Lauren was a wise and caring Christian and was appreciated by many for the leadership he provided by his words and example.

Lauren is survived by Jean, his wife of fifty-nine years; four children, Calvin and Charlotte Vande Zande of Waupun; Dorie and Bill Mayes of Waxhaw, North Carolina; Mary and Douglas Scholten of Buena Park, CA; Paul and Wendy Vande Zande, of Waupun. He is further survived by twelve grandchildren; a brother Harvey (Lois) Vande Zande and a sister Lois (Marvin) Bos, both of Waupun. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Glenn.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Trinity Reformed Church, 521 South Madison Street, Waupun. The Rev. Thomas M. Daubenspeck, the Rev. Calvin J. Vande Zande and the Rev. Douglas Scholten will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Mound Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Getchel-Nelson American Legion Post 210.

The family and friends will be received from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun, and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Lauren’s name for the Wycliff Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando Florida 32862.