Rick Van Zee

Rick Van Zee, 65, of Pleasant Hill, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Ricky Earle Van Zee, son of Dwight Earle and Virgie Mae (Dickerson) Van Zee, was born January 9, 1960, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a 1978 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and furthered his education at Indian Hills Community College, where he studied computer maintenance, graduating on August 7, 1980. His first job was at Wang Laboratories in Denver, Colorado, as a computer engineer. He returned to Iowa after a year and settled in Pleasant Hill, where he began working for Digital Equipment Corporation. After several years, he began a career with Hewlett-Packard, where he has worked for over 40 years as a computer engineer. He was employed there until the time of his death. Rick grew up attending the Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa and was currently attending the New Life Church in Pleasant Hill. On February 21, 2009, he was united in marriage to Virginia “Gigi” Buenviaje at the Rose Hill Community Church. Rick and Gigi enjoyed traveling in their RV with their dog, Reggie, but only “Out West”. Over the years, he also enjoyed motorcycle trips with his parents and friends; he loved to water ski and snow ski as well. Hanging out with family and friends was the main reason he enjoyed these activities. His last trip to the Philippines to meet his nieces and nephews was especially enjoyable for Rick. Rick’s family includes his wife, Gigi of Pleasant Hill; a daughter, Crystal Lewis-Van Zee of Maryland; a sister, Marlys (Slade) Speers of Monroe, IA; two nephews: Dalton (Taylor) Speers of Memphis, TN and Sheldon (Katie) Speers of Mitchellville, IA; three great-nephews: Sterling, Callaway and Stetson Speers; and several aunts and uncles. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. Funeral Services for Rick will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Andy Miller of New Life Church officiating. Cremation will be accorded after the service and burial of his ashes will be held privately in Forest Cemetery. The family will greet visitors from 9:30 a.m. to the start of service on Saturday morning. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Life Church in Pleasant Hill.

Rick Van Zee

January 9, 1960 - October 14, 2025