Obituary of Robert Lee Van Zandt

Civic and Business Leader 1943-2012 Robert Lee Van Zandt ("Bob"), age 68 of Lake Elmo (formerly St. Paul), passed away on Sunday March 18 2012. Bob is survived by his wife Maureen Mullaley of Lake Elmo MN; his three children: James Michael of Lake Elmo MN, Patrick George of St. Paul MN, and Kim (Dan) Aune of St. Louis Park MN; his two grandchildren: Megan and Natalie Aune; and his beloved pug Boris who he lovingly referred to as "a member of the family". Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents and his only brother: Fay Leroy "Pee Wee" Van Zandt. Visitation was Friday March 23 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale MN. Bob's funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday March 24 2012 at the same location. The service began with a Native American smudging ceremony and honor song presented by Bob's friend Clyde Bellecourt and the mass was said by Father Rodger Bauman and Father Tom Hunstiger, two longtime friends of Bob. Eulogies were given by Phil Porter, Dr. Lee Antell, Joe Pelano, Lisa Gedker, Gary Green, Brenda Starr, and Patrick Van Zandt. Pallbearers were James Van Zandt, Patrick Van Zandt, Kim Aune, Phil Porter, Paul Burrell, Tim Kennedy, Joe Pelano, and John Schiltz. After the mass there was a New Orleans style funeral procession (to "When the Saints Go Marching In") from the church to Bob's final resting place at Guardian Angels Cemetery. A luncheon followed in Peter O'Neill Hall at Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Bob was born on May 4 1943 in Danville IL to George LeRoy Van Zandt and Wanda Sadler Van Zandt. He spent his childhood in Danville, where he was known as "Butch". In his early years, he worked for his father's trucking business and delivered the local newspaper (Commercial-News) on his bicycle. He attended McKinley grade school and later Danville High School, where he graduated in 1962. From an early age Bob worked to help others. Several younger friends described him as "like the older brother I never had". In high school, Bob was known for his Pontiac convertibles, as a regular performer on Danville Bandstand (a local TV show), and for attracting lots of attention from the girls with his good looks and charming personality. After high school Bob studied at the University of Illinois-Champaign, Danville Area Community College, and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale IL where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing in 1967. Bob joined Junior Achievement in 10th grade, and his involvement with this organization was pivotal to many positive things in his life. He quickly rose to be a leader and worked to inspire his peers and classmates to learn more about entrepreneurship, socialization, and how to effectively network and manage people and business relationships. He attended several national conferences and later went on to work for Junior Achievement and even met his wife (Maureen Mullaley) at a Junior Achievement conference. Bob began his professional career at the General Electric plant in Danville where he worked in marketing from 1967-1969. He left General Electric (and Danville) in 1969 to pursue his passion and work for Junior Achievement in Stamford CT. He was very successful with Junior Achievement, where he conducted training courses throughout the United States, wrote training manuals, and was promoted to two concurrent director-level positions: National Personnel Director and National Training Director. Bob left Junior Achievement in 1977 and continued to work in a series of high level training, sales, and management positions for a variety of companies throughout his career: Corl Corporation (1977-1980), Barter Systems (1980-1981), Sport Shacks (1981-1983), Van Zandt and Associates (1983-1990), and Ceiling Professionals (1990-1999). In 1999 Bob started his own company: Circle Medical Supply (later renamed to Van Zandt Distributing) to serve the medical supply needs of hospitals, clinics, and school systems on American Indian reservations throughout the region and to always provide superior service and excellent prices to his clients. He later expanded to serve other clients, maintaining a concentration on the Midwest. Bob loved being his own boss, serving the Indian community, and was extremely successful in this business, where he worked until he passed away. Bob was a proud member of the Southern Band of the Cherokee and was always looking for opportunities to earn more about his Cherokee heritage. He was planning a trip to Kentucky in 2012 where he was to be given his Indian name: Redbird. Bob married his wife Maureen Mullaley on September 6 1980 at the Our Lady of Victory Chapel at St. Katherine's University in St. Paul MN. Bob and Maureen settled in St. Paul MN and had two sons: Patrick George (born November 5 1984) and James Michael (born September 26 1990). Bob and Maureen moved to Lake Elmo MN in early 2004. Throughout his life, Bob served on countless of committees and boards and spent untold hours engaged in community service. As a young adult Bob was a "big brother" in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. While living in St. Paul MN he served on the parish council and finance committee for his church, where he organized several fundraising drives. He volunteered at his children's' schools in roles such as science fair judge, commencement speaker, and more. He also chaired the steering committee for “The Twin Cities Nativity" and volunteered for his sons' Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troops. While living in Lake Elmo MN, he served on (and later chaired) both the Lake Elmo Planning Commission and the Lake Elmo Tri-Lakes Association. He also served on the boards of the Native American Community Clinic, American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center, Franklin Avenue Business Association, and more. He was a very active member and the Membership Chair of the Lake Elmo Rotary Club. He was also active in politics and worked on several city and state political campaigns. Bob was an avid fisherman and always looked forward to an annual trip to Ontario with his friends (and his sons when they were old enough) to go Walleye fishing. While at home, he regularly fished Lake Olson and Lake Demontreville with his dog Boris. Bob and his wife enjoyed hosting exchange students at their home and fostering cross-cultural understanding. In the last four years of his life Bob traveled to both China and Ireland where he loved taking in the local culture. He always loved music, with his favorites being Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Willie Nelson, and B.B. King. He was a connoisseur of single malt scotch and cigars. But most of all, Bob was a family man. He loved spending time with his wife and children. In lieu of flowers, Bob's family requested that memorials be made in honor of Bob to one of the following organizations: Native American Community Clinic (1213 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55404) or American Indian OIC (1845 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55404).