Obituary of Willard Zeeb

Willard R. Zeeb, age 82 of Menno, SD passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the Freeman Hospital, Freeman, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, November 21, 2016 at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Steve Moerman officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD with Military graveside rites by the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152 and the SDARNG Honor Guard presenting. Visitations will be from 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, November 20, 2016 with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Willard was born on December 4, 1933 to Ruben and Elizabeth (Bechtold) Zeeb in Scotland, SD. He was baptized on January 17, 1934 by Rev. John Bodenman at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD. He was confirmed by Rev. Eric Kaempchen on June 27, 1948. His confirmation verse was Matthew 7:13. Willard went to school at Fairview #94 and Zeeb #104 Country Schools and graduated from Menno High School in 1951. Willard joined the Army in 1954 and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He was a lifetime member of the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152. Willard married Donna Keller on November 3, 1957 at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno, SD. He started working for the Farmers Union Oil Company in 1957, later known as Cenex, for 35 years and was the manager for 21 years until 1992. Willard enjoyed driving the school buses for Menno School system from 1998-2001. He also enjoyed attending firearms, windmill, and farm pioneer shows where he displayed his related collections. He was involved with the Menno Pioneer Power Show for 30 years. Willard was very handy at making and fixing things. For several years Willard was an accordion player with a group called the "Good Old Boys". Willard remained a loyal member of the reformed faith for his entire life and was a current member of Peace Christian Reformed Church in Menno. Willard is survived by his wife Donna, of 59 years; two sisters, Alta Mae (Wayne) Mathias of Oceanside, CA, Vinnese (Dareld) Buchholz of Wessington Springs, SD; brother, Charles (LaVonne) Zeeb of Sioux Falls, SD; nephews, Mark (Genene) Mathias of Trabuco Canyon, CA, Warren (Wendy) Carter of Mt. Vernon, SD; nieces, Stacey (Chad) Patrick of Roanoke, VA, Charla (Jeff) Melby of Victoria, MN; great-nephews and nieces, Trevor and Christian Mathias, Dustin (Allie) White, Cassie, Trevor, Brooke Vaughn, Sierra Cundy, Jordan and Dylan Melby. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Elizabeth Zeeb. In lieu of flowers, the family would like the memorials to be directed to the Peace Christian Reformed Youth, 306 N High St, Menno, SD 57045.