Charles "Charlie" Zeeb, Sioux Falls, SD, passed peacefully on April 27, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital with LaVonne, his beloved wife of 52 years, by his side. He was 80 years old.

Charles William Zeeb was born June 29, 1945, to Ruben and Elizabeth (Bechtold) Zeeb at the family farm south of Menno, SD, where he was raised. Charlie was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his faith at Salem Reformed Church. He attended Zeeb No. 104 Country School and graduated from Menno High School. A lifelong learner, in 1969 he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern State Teachers College.

Charles married Donna Mae Johnson in August, 1967; she preceded him in death in 1970. On July 8, 1973, he was united in marriage with LaVonne Klaudt.  Together they built a life centered on faith and family.

Charlie's professional life was marked by a talent for design and a passion for mechanics. He began his career as a draftsman for Kenneth K. Bastian & Associates, designing heating and plumbing systems. In the 60s, after high school, Charles began collecting Corvette literature and advertising. This collection would slowly begin to shift his career path. His fascination with the classic car led to an opportunity to hone his skills in a Corvette repair shop. Eventually, Charles established his own Corvette restoration business near Tea, SD, where he quickly became known for his innate understanding of Corvettes and his meticulous attention to detail. An astute, forward-thinking entrepreneur, Charles sensed a need for a secure place to store classic cars and consequently designed and assisted in the construction of storage units that multiplied numerous times and became known as Empire Storage.

Nostalgic and sentimental, Charles and LaVonne began a new collection when they discovered old machinery literature, which reminded them of their days growing up in a rural setting. Throughout the years, they quietly pursued their hobby, expanding their collection to include antique furniture, signs, farm toys, parlor stoves, miniature buildings and farm machinery. Their shared passion offered opportunities to attend some of their favorite antique tradeshows in Chicago, Indianapolis and the Twin Cities. Charles and LaVonne also took great joy in their extensive collection of vintage family photographs, intrigued by and eager to reveal the stories behind them. For more than 20 years, they shared their collection with visitors attending Menno's Pioneer Power Show.  Charles invested his time in curating exhibits for the annual event that were entertaining as well as educational. He enjoyed continuing the tradition of providing music in the Farm Emporium with his brother's player piano.

Charles viewed leisure travel with LaVonne as a ticket to experience God's vast creation. Whether in Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica or on a Caribbean or European cruise, Charles was a constant fixture behind the camera returning home with a bevy of photos that captured the memorable and enlightening experience with his wife.

Faith was the cornerstone of Charlie's life. In 1989, he was part of the core group that established the current Trinity Reformed Church. He served his church with a joyful heart as a choir member and a Sunday School teacher.  During the eight years Charles spent as a catechism instructor, he was extremely grateful for the divine reward of interaction with his students as they strengthened their spiritual lives. He further contributed to his faith community through years of service as an Elder on the Consistory. Additionally, he served on pastoral search committees and as a delegate to the church Classis and Synod. Known for his outgoing and friendly nature, Charlie was often the first person to greet and welcome new visitors at church.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, LaVonne Zeeb, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Charla Melby, Shorewood, MN; grandchildren, Jordan (Rob) Storrick, Dylan (John) Sfire; great-grandchildren, Jace, Miles, Monroe, and McCoy; sisters, Vinnese (Dareld) Buchholz, Alta Mae Mathias; sister-in-law, Donna Zeeb; and nephews, nieces and many friends. In addition to his first wife, Donna Mae, he is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Jeff Melby; brother, Willard Zeeb; and brother-in-law, Wayne Mathias.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Trinity Reformed Church, 7301 S. Louise Avenue in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, May 1, at the church. The committal service will take place at 2:00 pm, Saturday, at Menno City Cemetery, Menno, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Heidelberg Theological Seminary or Trinity Reformed Church Building Fund.

The family of Charles W. Zeeb would like to express their appreciation to the medical team on 1 East at Avera McKennan. Through your expressions of kindness, compassion and concern, you provided the brightest light during our darkest days. Thank you for touching our hearts.