Marvin J. VanZuiden, 90, of Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at La Bella of Morrison, IL.
Marvin was born November 17, 1935, in Fulton, IL, to Clarence “Claus” and Winnie (Buikema) VanZuiden. He was educated in Fulton Schools. On September 14, 1956, he married Ethel J. Zuidema, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. Marv began his career at Patent Novelty Corporation in Fulton, before working at Frost Men’s Shop in Morrison. He later worked for the Whiteside County Courthouse under the County Clerk’s office. When the office of County Recorder was established, Marv became the first Whiteside County Recorder, serving the citizens of Whiteside County for 30 years until his retirement. He served for many years on the Resthave Board and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the State of Illinois Recorders Association. He enjoyed singing in church quartets in both Fulton and Morrison and could often be found tending his garden, caring for his yard, watching and feeding birds, bowling, or tackling projects. Marv was always tinkering with something. A lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast, he belonged to a motorcycle group in Rock Falls, IL, for more than 25 years, and he and Ethel loved hitting the open road whenever they had the opportunity. He treasured camping and fishing trips with his family in Mauston, WI. For 26 years, they also enjoyed wintering together in the Seminole Cove community in Florida, making many lasting friendships. Above all, Marv cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel; daughter, Rhonda (Jeff) Keister of Clinton, IA; sons, Mike (Barb) VanZuiden of LeClaire, IA, and Tim VanZuiden of Morrison; five grandchildren, Brad Keister, Matt (Chloe) Keister, Travis (Veronica) VanZuiden, Tyler (Tawny) VanZuiden, and Noah VanZuiden; four great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Lola, and Beckett Keister, and Lillian May VanZuiden; sister, Betty Pruis of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Millie (Wilbert) Heun; and one brother-in-law, Art Pruis.
A Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Emmanuel Church in Morrison, IL.
His Funeral Service followed at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Rev. Luke Schouten, Pastor of Emmanuel Church.
Interment was at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Emmanuel Church and God’s Will Giving Center in Morrison, IL.