Mr. Francis Joseph "Sus"Vander Zanden, age 86, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Weare passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016, at St. Joseph Village in Chicago.  He was born October 12, 1929, in Hart to William and Marie (Van Aelst) Vander Zanden.  He was employed at Dow Chemical in Ludington until his retirement. Francis married the former Donna Birkman on June 1, 1957 at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Elbridge. He had served in the US Army National Guard.

Francis was a near lifelong resident of Weare Township, living on and farming the family homestead. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church-Weare. Francis enjoyed deer hunting, nature and working outdoors. He was a pioneer in the hearth food movement and was a recycler and a conservationist. Francis was an avid reader of current events, especially those that were political.

Francis is survived by his wife: Donna Vander Zanden , five daughters: Sheri Vander Zanden of Odessa, TX, Lisa Vander Zanden of Midland, TX, Jane (Greg) Vander Zanden -Thompson of Chicago, IL, Diane (Al) Ulcigrai of Frankfort, IL and Paula (Mike) Chorba of Dowagiac, MI and three sons: Steven (Kimberly) Vander Zanden of Chicago, IL, Rick (Tyna) Vander Zanden of Frisco, TX and Jason Vander Zanden of San Marcos, TX;  one sister: Stella (Heavilin) of Zeeland, MI; he also has twelve grandchildren,  Blake (Megan) Oswald of Lubbock, TX, Scott (Trista) Oswald of Midland, TX; Anthony Thompson of Cleveland, OH; PFC Dylan (Emily) Chorba of Fort Bliss, TX; Lillie Van Der Zanden of Chicago, IL; Alexi Chorba of Dowagiac, MI; Nathan Thompson of Chicago, IL; Katherine Thompson of Chicago, IL; Alan Ulcigrai of Frankfort, IL; Anabelle Ulcigrai of Frankfort, IL; Lorenzo Ulcigrai of Frankfort, IL; Lia Ulcigrai of Frankfort, IL; five great grandchildren, William Oswald of Lubbock, TX; Wyatt Oswald of Lubbock, TX; Wade Oswald of Lubbock, TX; Ava Oswald of Midland, TX; Kameron Oswald of Midland, TX; and one great grandchild expected in January. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Gerald Vander Zanden, father, William Vander Zanden, mother, Marie "Mary" (VanAelst) VanderZanden, four brothers, Henry VanderZanden,  Charles "Chub" VanderZanden,  Albert VanderZanden,  William VanderZanden Jr,  and three sisters, Corneila, Marie "Mame", and Teresa.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Vander Zanden will be offered Friday, October 14, 2016, at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Weare with Father Phillip Sliwinski presiding.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at King Funeral Home-Hart, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm. Interment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family requests that any memorials be directed to St. Joseph Village, 4021 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 or the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/donate .