Clair Van Zee

Clair Van Zee, 59, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017 in his home under the care of  Hospice of the Red River Valley and surrounded by  his family. Clair was born on May 21, 1957 to Chester and Jean Van Zee in Mayville, ND. He resided on the family farm near Galesburg, ND for the majority of his life. Clair attended Clifford-Galesburg High School and the NDSCS at Wahpeton for Auto Mechanics. He had been employed by Saucke Construction, Olstad Construction,  and most recently by Dickson Farms. Clair was  baptized and confirmed at Elm River Lutheran Church, Galesburg, where he was a lifelong member. He and his wife, Laurice Washburn, of Hope, ND were married in 1989 at Elm River. Clair is survived by his loving wife, Laurice; daughter, Kathryn Van Zee, granddaughter Oaklea Thomas; son, Charles Van Zee, all of Page, ND; sisters Pam (Wayne) Koering, Hillsboro; Trish Brager, Cooperstown; Crystal (Greg) Storhoff, Mt Ayr, Iowa; and brother Joel Van Zee, Williston; brother-in-law, Greg Washburn, sisters-in-law Teresa Washburn and Lesley Washburn. Clair’s pride and joy was his granddaughter, Oaklea. He enjoyed drag racing and built his wife a drag car, which she raced. Fishing was also a favorite pastime and working on old cars. There will be a prayer service on Sunday at 7:00 pm at Elm River Lutheran Church, Galesburg with visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The memorial service will be at Elm River at 2:00 pm Monday.