ARGYLE/BLANCHARDVILLE - Allen Dale Zuidema, age 77, of rural Argyle died at his home surrounded by his family on November 30, 2016. Allen was born on September 11, 1939 in Morrison, Illinois, to Harold and Roelvina Zuidema. He grew up in Morrison, was active in 4H, showed cattle, and won a calf, which became part of his first dairy herd. Allen graduated from the Morrison High School in 1957. Allen and Carol J. Wilkins were married at the Spring Valley Reformed Church in Fulton, IL on November 1, 1957. They farmed side by side for over 40 years, first in Morrison and later in Argyle, WI. After selling his dairy herd, Allen raised beef cattle and enjoyed showing them with his daughter Elizabeth and also his grandchildren. He was a 4-H leader in the Dougherty Creek 4-H Club and a member of the Green County Beef Producers. After retiring, Allen continued to work as the custodian of the Adams Lutheran Church in rural Argyle until early 2016, he worked briefly at the Argyle Industries and for a number of years for the Saether Funeral Home/Livery Service in Blanchardville. Allen served as a trustee on the Adams Cemetery Board and the Adams Lutheran Church Council.
Allen loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening, but mostly, he loved being around his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (and all of their dogs). He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Allen is survived by his wife, Carol Zuidema; five children, Joy Lee, Rochester, MN; Kristy (Jeff) Zwicker, Argyle; Kathy (Todd) Wirtz, Blanchardville; Bill (Lynn) Zuidema, Minnetonka, MN; and Elizabeth (Mike) Anderson, Belleville; son-in-law, David Lee; sister, Jane (Arnold) Brooks; brother-in-law, Larry (Kaye) Wilkins; sister-in-law, Joyce Tichler Wilkins; grandchildren, Corey and Daniel Lee, Matthew (Meghan) McKenna, Kyle and Katie Zwicker, Melissa (James) Bridges, Michelle Wirtz, TJ (Kaitlyn) Wirtz, Mitchell Zuidema; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Nolan McKenna, Alexis and Asher Bridges, and Myla Wirtz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2016 from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at the Adams Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held on Monday morning, December 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the church. Rev. Joseph O'Donnell will officiate. Burial will be in the Adams Cemetery. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank Dr. Huie and the staffs at the Monroe Clinic Hospital and Oncology Department, UnityPoint/Meriter Hospital, Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe Hospice and Pastor Joseph O'Donnell for their care, compassion and support this past year. Memorials can be made to the Adams Cemetery Association, or the Monroe Clinic Hospice building fund.
Allen loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening, but mostly, he loved being around his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (and all of their dogs). He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Allen is survived by his wife, Carol Zuidema; five children, Joy Lee, Rochester, MN; Kristy (Jeff) Zwicker, Argyle; Kathy (Todd) Wirtz, Blanchardville; Bill (Lynn) Zuidema, Minnetonka, MN; and Elizabeth (Mike) Anderson, Belleville; son-in-law, David Lee; sister, Jane (Arnold) Brooks; brother-in-law, Larry (Kaye) Wilkins; sister-in-law, Joyce Tichler Wilkins; grandchildren, Corey and Daniel Lee, Matthew (Meghan) McKenna, Kyle and Katie Zwicker, Melissa (James) Bridges, Michelle Wirtz, TJ (Kaitlyn) Wirtz, Mitchell Zuidema; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Nolan McKenna, Alexis and Asher Bridges, and Myla Wirtz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2016 from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at the Adams Lutheran Church. A funeral service will be held on Monday morning, December 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the church. Rev. Joseph O'Donnell will officiate. Burial will be in the Adams Cemetery. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank Dr. Huie and the staffs at the Monroe Clinic Hospital and Oncology Department, UnityPoint/Meriter Hospital, Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe Hospice and Pastor Joseph O'Donnell for their care, compassion and support this past year. Memorials can be made to the Adams Cemetery Association, or the Monroe Clinic Hospice building fund.