Cynthia Van Zetten
Cynthia Van Zetten
Cynthia Van Zetten
October 3, 1950 – April 6, 2020
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 69
Cynthia Lee Van Zetten, 69, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on October 3, 1950 in Comfrey, Minnesota,the daughter of Maynard and Audree (Saunders) Johnson.
Cynthia attended North Mahaska High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. After graduating high school, she attended college at NortheastMissouri State and later William Penn College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Art.
On October 7, 1970, she was united in marriage to Edward Oakie in Kirksville, MO. To this union two children, Blaine and Heather, were born. They later divorced. On September 23, 1977, she was united in marriage to Gary Van Zetten. To this union a daughter, Holland, was born.
Cynthia worked as a radiology technician and small business manager prior to beginning her teaching career at Eddyville-Blakesburg High School in 1992. She later transferred to Oskaloosa High School, retiring in 2013.
Cynthia enjoyed making treats (best known for her popcorn balls, divinity, fudge and Rice Krispie treats), entertaining, antiquing, and playing Scrabble with her children (very competitively)! Above all else, the witty, outgoing, and one-of-a-kind “Cincee” loved connecting with family and friends. She saw the good in everyone and impacted many lives, making each and every person feel special. Her legacy can be remembered by one of her favorite quotes, “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ C. Buechner.
Cynthia’s family includes her children: Blaine (& Angie) Oakie of Ankeny, Iowa, Heather (& Fero) Katona of Bloomfield, New Jersey and Holland (& Eric) Taylor of Ankeny, Iowa; her grandchildren: Hannah and Joseph Oakie, and Dylan and Avery Taylor; her sister, Penelope Boger of Oskaloosa, Iowa; nephews: Brent (& Christy) Winner of St. Petersburg, FL and Eric (& Angela) Winner of Overland Park, KS; niece, Keri (& Randy) Readshaw of Oskaloosa, IA; and countless dearly beloved friends.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents.
As was her wish, Cynthia’s body has been cremated.
Due to the restrictions put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, a private family memorial service will be held at Bates Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 11 am with the burial following at Friends Cemetery in New Sharon.
The family invites you to attend the service virtually via Facebook Live. The recorded service will also be made available through Bates’ YouTube channel for future viewing.
Memorials may be made to New
Sharon First Christian Church and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mahaska County.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Cynthia Van Zetten please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
