Donald Lee Van Zeeland

Van Zeeland , Donald Lee

Of Franklin, passed away on July 4th, 2015, at the age of 85. He was born on November 13th, 1929, in Milwaukee to the late Fred J. and Verna E. Van Zeeland. As a youth he attended Pius High School after which he furthered his education by attending UW-Madison, earning a Master of Electrical Engineering degree. He followed this by serving his country in the Army and Army Reserves for eight years. Always a hardworking and dedicated engineer, his career included jobs at Allis-Chalmers, General Motors, AC Spark Plug, AC Delco, Cutler-Hammer, and Eaton Corporation from which he retired after more than 25 years of service. Don played a key engineering role in the Apollo space program by developing internal guidance systems for the lunar module that landed the first man on the moon. His career is further highlighted by the accumulation of nineteen patents and multiple inventions. He is survived by his wife Mary; sister Betty and the late Jack Spridco; brother Jerry and his wife Coryn; five sons, David, Steven and his wife Lisa, Richard and his wife Sandra, Michael, Robert and his wife Kristine; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Danielle Franklin and her husband Keith, Miranda, Jamie, Matthew, Sydney, Taylor, Jordyn, Luke, and Joshua; four great-grandchildren Kaleb, Delaney, Kamdyn, and Delilah Franklin. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 16th at Heritage Funeral Home (16880 W. National Avenue, New Berlin) from 9:30-11:30am with a service at 11:30am. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 2:30pm.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES
New Berlin Chapel
16880 W. National Ave. 262-901-1140
heritagefuneral.com