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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
Edward J. “Ed” VanderZanden, age 83 of L’Anse, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 5, 2022.
Ed was born on July 9, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to Martin and Anna (Zwiers) VanderZanden. He was the third of nine children. Ed attended school in Garden City, Michigan before moving to Champion, MI where he graduated from High School in 1957. After graduation Ed joined the United States Marine Corps. Ed proudly served his country for 3 years. He often told stories of his time stationed at Adak, Alaska. Upon his honorable discharge, Ed moved to Munising MI and was employed by A&P stores as a meat cutter. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Judy (Carkeek). They moved to L’Anse where they raised four children. Ed continued his 30 plus year career as a meat cutter working for Larry’s Market and Fraki’s until his retirement.
Ed was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trapper, spending much of his time at his beloved camp—F Troop. He cherished nature and enjoyed sharing his love, knowledge, and experience of the outdoors with his family.
Ed liked watching and playing all sports, but his greatest joy was watching his children and then grandchildren play hockey, football, basketball, and baseball. He and Judy could be seen at all games both home and away.
Ed will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his gruff voice, his sense of humor and witty tales, his advice and guidance, and his fierce love for his family.
Ed is survived by his loving children, Karen (Steve) Rexford of Biloxi, MS, Kathi (Bob) Warner, James (Henny) VanderZanden, Kris Kristo all of L’Anse, and Kim (Jack) Hammond of Pennsylvania. Grandchildren, Zak, Rachael, Sean, Chris, Jake, Chase, Courtney, Heather, Holly, Ryan, Danny, Mike, Dean, Megan, Fabian, Kylie, Tiana, and Trevor, and 32 great grandchildren.
Siblings Joanne (Harold) Galske of Green Bay, WI, Gloria Nault, Gale Maki, Andrew Anderson all of Ishpeming, and Bonnie Pelto of Green Bay, WI, and sister-in-law Pat Kissel of Baraga as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ed was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Judy, sister Mary Jane Tindle, brothers Butch and James VanderZanden, son-in-law Tim Kristo, and grandson Tyler Hammond.
Per Ed’s wishes there will be no formal funeral. A private family graveside service will be held. A celebration of Ed’s life will be announced at a later date.
Interment will be in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery.
Ed’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the arrangements
