John DeZeeuw

John E. DeZeeuw, age 70, of Burtrum and formerly of Springfield, died Monday, June 6, 2016 surrounded by his family at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 10 at the United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Gary Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Grey Eagle.

John Edward DeZeeuw was born March 14, 1946 in Pipestone, Minnesota to Rufus and Anna (Berkenpas) DeZeeuw. On April 13, 1968 he married Jean Hewitt at Belgrade Avenue Methodist Church in North Mankato.

John graduated from Pipestone High School and received a Master's degree in Education and a Specialist degree in Educational Administration at Mankato State University. During his 46 year career in education, he received the Teacher of the Year Award at Springfield District 85 as well as the Southwest Minnesota Principal of the Year.

He was a member of the Minnesota and National Principals Organizations and the Springfield Lions Club. He served on several committees at United Methodist Church. He enjoyed music, theatre, high school wrestling, playing 500, bowling, and time at the lake with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Jean DeZeeuw; daughters, Melissa (Kelly) Hesch and Mari (Eric) Schultz; grandchildren, Grady Owen, Ethan John, Maci Rae (due in September), and Kevin Warwick; and sisters, Sylvia Sleiter, Rose Beck, Violet Brinkman, and Ardis (Roger) Nielsen.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Paul, Rufus Jr., Bernard, Jacob, Melba Petersen, Sidney, Anthony, Kenneth, and Mary Petersen.