George F. Vander Zanden

George F Vander Zanden, 81, of Green Bay, Wisconsin passed away on July 1, 2024 after a hard fought battle with liver cancer.

George was born in Kimberly, Wisconsin on December 5, 1942 to parents George and Marie (Allie) Vander Zanden. He was a 1961 graduate of Kimberly High School, after which he enlisted in the US Navy. After leaving the military he received a Certificate for Law Enforcement from Fox Valley Technical College in 1967.

George served his country as a United States Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1961 to 1965. He was a member of the American Legion Sullivan-Wallen Post 11 and the American Legion Riders. He would organize bike rides to raise funds for various causes and would provide honor escorts in parades and for veteran's funerals.

George began his civilian career working for the Little Chute Police Department. He then took to the road and saw the country; whether by driving truck for Schneiders, driving tour buses for Lamers or heading out on his Harley Davidson. If George wanted to go somewhere, he'd get on his bike and make it happen. George was a proud father of Laura, Mark and Kristen and grandfather to Kaylyn and Krystle.

George is survived by his children, Laura (Thom) Buettner of Antigo, Mark (Robin) Vander Zanden of De Pere and Kristie (Steve) Gallagher of Green Bay; his granddaughters Kaylyn Vander Zanden and Krystle Gallagher; two sisters Joyce (Bob) Much and Lynn Oatman, two brothers Alan (Samantha) Vander Zanden and David (Pam) Vander Zanden, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nancy Haas, Lila "Dickie" Schumacher, Diane Wirth, Norene Danke, and their spouses.

Thank you to Jim and Christie Dole for their visits and friendship with George throughout the years. And most importantly the family would like to thank Cindy Vander Zanden for all of her tireless care during George's final weeks, which will never be forgotten.

George's "final ride" will be done by the American Legions Riders from Green Bay to King Veteran Cemetery on Friday, July 26th, where he will be interned with full military honors. Family and friends will then gather at the Robyn's Nest for a Celebration of Life gathering (times to be determined). In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to Old Glory Honor Flight.