Edith VanZytveld Obituary (1936 - 2024)

On February 6, 2024, Jane Van Zytveld passed away and entered God's rest. Her family was there to surround her with singing, laughter, and above all, a deep love. Born in 1936 in Denver, CO to immigrant parents, Henry and Gretta (Veenema) Volkema, it was clear that she was a natural musician from a very early age. Her parents saved to invest in a piano when she was 6-years old and worked to ensure she not only had piano lessons but organ lessons as well. Both of those investments "paid off" as Jane was sought out as an accompanist by many soloists, instrumentalists, and choirs. Her contributions to the worship life of several churches began at the age of 14 when she was approached in the pews of her family's church one Sunday to step in to play the organ when the scheduled musician failed to show up. That sudden beginning led to almost 70 years of church music - not only in the playing of organ and piano but in working with pastors to help create a vibrant and thoughtful worship service. Throughout the years, she always pushed herself to improve her craft including through a long association with the American Guild of Organists. But it wasn't all about music, of course. Late in high school, she met the man who would become her dear husband, Jack Van Zytveld. They married in June of 1958 after graduating from Calvin College. They eventually made their home back in Denver and raised their 3 sons there before choosing to live in Grand Rapids, Michigan in their final retirement years. Their life together was full of family, friends, work, and social activities. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her beloved older brothers Fred and Art Volkema and her sister-in-law, Harriet Van Zytveld (Keith) Barry. She is survived by her husband, Jack Van Zytveld; her sons, James (Marlise), Donald, and David (Karen); her grandchildren, Jonathan, Cecilia, Matthew (Allison), Katherine (Jim), Rachel, and Henry, as well as great-grandchildren; her sisters-in- law, Martha and Annabelle Volkema, and Janice Van Zytveld (Nelson) Zwaanstra; her brother-in-law, John (Jan) Van Zytveld; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends from around the globe. In all that she did, Jane sought to praise her Creator. Nowhere was this more evident than in her passion for music. We are certain that she is lifting up her song of praise in heaven! Funeral services will be held on April 19, 2024 at Calvin CRC, in Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will be from 10am-11am with a funeral service to begin at 11am. Light refreshments will be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, we would invite you to consider a donation to the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys (https://www.grcmb.org/donate-now) or a music program of your choice. Above all, Jane would want you to lift up your own song in praise wherever and however you wish!