Dr. Gene Van Zee, age 92, passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 27, 2022. Doc Van Zee - as he was affectionately called by many - was born on the family farm in Pella, Iowa, on April 1, 1929. Gene attended Pella High School where he played tuba in the marching band at his beloved Tulip Time and continued to play the tuba in several musical groups well into his 80's. Gene studied pre-med at Calvin College, where he met and then married Sylvia Moes. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1955, Gene entered the military and he and Sylvia moved to Pensacola, Florida. After his training, they were transferred to Atsugi Naval Air Facility in Japan (1956-58), where he and Sylvia developed a lifelong love for Japanese culture. Returning to the US, Dr. Van Zee set up a medical practice in his hometown of Pella, Iowa, beginning what is now known as Pella Regional Health Centers. In his "spare time" Gene enjoyed volunteering many hours to various boards, church leadership, and community services. During his 40-year medical practice he was known as a kind, gentle and caring physician. Even after retirement he continued to advise and care for so many. Gene and Sylvia moved to Grand Rapids in 2000, where they enjoyed the company of their friends, children, and grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by Sylvia, his wife and partner for 64 years, and with whom he longed to reunite. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants" we are told at Psalm 116:15. Dad will be sorely missed by his children, Rene' and David Baatenburg, Cassandra and Jack Swierenga, Wendy and Steven Voss, as well as the Baatenburg grandchildren - Ross and Lindsey Baatenburg (Tyce, Piper and Josie), Dr. Lara Baatenburg and Dr. Jana Baatenburg - the Swierenga grandchildren, Sara and Nate Plasman (Grace, Jackson, and Andrew), Daniel and Malari Swierenga (Sam and Cecily), Kelly and Matt Tooley (Forrest and Everett), Anna and Kevin Allingham (Gemma) - and the Voss grandchildren, Taylor and Annie Vos (Arie, Sylvia and Hollis) and Bailey and Chris Dykstra (Ayden, Asher and Amelia). Gene also leaves behind sister Helen (Van Zee) and Case Vande Ree, and brother Ron and Joan (Telman) Van Zee, in-laws John Moes, Marsha (Moes) Anema, Joanne (Moes) Vander Mey, Lydia (Moes) Dokter, Flossie (Moes) Bolhuis, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation is set for Friday, March 11, 2022, from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St., SE, Grand Rapids. Funeral service is scheduled Saturday, March 12, 10:00 am, at Breton Ridge Chapel, 2772 Pfeiffer Woods Dr., SE, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Holland Home Breton Rehabilitation & Living Center 2589 44th St., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.