Anthony "Rev. Tony" Van Zanten

Anthony “Tony” Van Zanten, 86 -- affectionately known as “Rev. Tony” by many – entered the loving arms of his Savior on December 15, 2025. He is now healed and whole.

Tony was born at home, on a farm in Rock Valley, Iowa on November 11, 1939 to Tony and Fannie (Zwiers) Van Zanten. He graduated from Hull Christian High, then studied for two years at Dordt College. He completed his education at Calvin College and Seminary, where he earned his Master’s of Divinity degree.

While in seminary, he did an internship in Harlem, New York at Manhattan CRC; He loved the people of NYC. Tony returned to Calvin with a clear and long-term call to serve in “the city.” After graduating from seminary he was called to be the pastor at Madison Avenue CRC in Paterson, NJ; He loved the people of Paterson. Eleven years later he was called to begin a new ministry in Chicago. He founded and pastored the Roseland Christian Ministries Center until July 2004; He loved the people of Roseland.

Urban ministry was filled with joys and sorrows, heartache and celebration – and never-ending stories of God’s work in peoples’ lives (some of them captured in the self-published book When Things Don’t Fit). Three months before his planned retirement he suffered a life-changing stroke. Greatly limited by his physical abilities – including losing the ability to read, write and remember – Tony held on to the vision of restoration he anticipated for himself and for the city, described in the book of Revelation – the Holy City, the New Jerusalem – where there would no longer be any pain or suffering, and God himself would wipe away every tear.

Tony married Donna Rietema from Kanawha, Iowa on June 8, 1961 at Wright CRC. She was more than a helpmate, but a partner in ministry and life. Together they raised two children, Cami (Taylor) of Onalaska, Wisconsin and Kent (Priscilla) of Kildeer, Illinois.

Tony loved people, puzzles, painting, and photography. And he dearly loved his 6 grandchildren and grand-dog Kingston.

Tony is survived by Donna, his wife of 64 years; children Cami (Taylor) Haley and Kent (Priscilla) Van Zanten; grandchildren Jessica (Michelle) Haley Ortiz, Charles Anthony “Chet” (Kelsi) Haley, Hudson (Rayane) Haley, Brianna Van Zanten, Kalyssa “Kiki” Van Zanten, Amelia “Mimi” Van Zanten; great grandchild Kora Haley; Brother Albert (Harriet) Van Zanten of Rock Valley, Iowa; Sisters in law Mary Van Zanten and Geneva Van Zanten; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Fannie; and siblings Cornie (Wilma) Van Zanten, John Van Zanten, Albertha (Dick) Moorlag, Vern Van Zanten.

Services will be held at Hope Church in Oak Forest (5825 151st St., Oak Forest, IL 60452.)

Visitation will run from 9:30-11:00 a.m.; Funeral will be from 11:00.-12:30 pm.

A luncheon will be served immediately following, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Interment at Evergreen Park Cemetery 3401 W. 87th St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805 at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Roseland Christian Ministries Center,10858 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60628 are appreciated and will honor Rev. Tony’s 28 years of ministry there. Click here to donate online.