Brad Van Zee

Bradley Dean Van Zee, 66, of Smithville, MO, formerly of Newton, IA passed away peacefully at home after a heroic battle with cancer on February 26, 2025.

He was born on April 26, 1958, to Edwin Dean and Adrena (Meyerink) Van Zee in Rapid City, SD. Brad grew up in Newton, IA, and in 1976 he graduated from high school. After graduation, Brad spent time out west where he held various jobs and enjoyed fishing, canoeing, hiking and being in nature. Later, he returned to Newton where he began working with the Parks Department for the City and later transferred to the Police Department where he was a Police Identification Technician. After 28 years of dedicated and loyal service to the citizens of Newton and the Newton Police Department, Brad retired in 2020.

On September 25, 2004, he was united in marriage to Candice (Cue) Brown. After their marriage they lived in Newton where they made their home. Once retired, Brad and Candy moved to Smithville, MO where he continued his love for fishing, kayaking, bird watching and spending time outdoors. Most of all, he loved sitting around a roaring campfire with friends and family enjoying a good craft beer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Andi; his brother Eric; and his step-son Troy.

Brad is survived by his wife Candy; his brother Cary; his step-children Ty, Stephanie (Damon), Josh (Lance), and Shannon (Heath); step-grandsons Desmond and Brady; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held at 10:30-11:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 7th at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, IA.

Inurnment will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8th at Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, IA.

Donations may be made in Bradley Van Zee’s honor to Kansas City Hospice 9001 State Line Rd Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64114.