Sawyer Douglas Van Zee, 3-day old son of Preston and Kimberly (Elenkiwich) Van Zee, passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in the Avera McKennan NICU. Visitation, with family present, will be Thursday, Jan. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. A private family funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 3
Sawyer surprised everyone by coming into this world at 12:03 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Although he faced an uphill battle, Sawyer fought hard his entire life. During his short stay with us, he loved hearing his parents’ voices, being held and snuggled, and listening to Berenstain Bears books. He was also baptized during his time with us.
He will be forever loved and remembered by his parents, Preston and Kimberly; grandparents, Doug and Brenda Van Zee, Kyle Dean (Sandra) Elenkiwich, and Cynthia (Richard) Wakeman; aunts and uncles, Megan (Kyle) Munneke, Chelsea Van Zee (Ryan Mulder), and Pamela (Drew) Garry; cousins, Derek, Gretchen, Dax, Carter, Jayden, Hazel, Grace, Maggie, Dean, Harrison, and Gabriel; along with many extended family.
Sawyer had a wonderful medical team that worked around the clock and beyond shift hours. When Sawyer passed, they shared tears and helped us in our time of initial grief.
In order to show our appreciation, we request that in-lieu of flowers, you can send a donation to the charity they hold dear- The Oaklyn Foundation. For online condolences, visit www.andersonandsonsfh.com.
