Pamela Jane Van Zuuk, forever known as “PJ” to family and friends, was born November 16, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Mary Jane and Richard Brown. Pamela, age 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends, Monday, December 18, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Pamela met the love of her life, Dennis, in 1969, after he came home from the service. They started their lifelong journey by having two daughters, Dena and Robin. Pamela spent many years as a stay-at-home mom and cared for other children as well.
Pamela enjoyed talking to several of her family members over the phone. If you would let her, she would talk to you for hours, and she would always ask, “Where are you?” “What’s everyone doing?” Pamela enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls and bells. Most of all she loved her husband Dennis and her family.
Pamela is survived by her loving husband Dennis Van Zuuk, her two daughters, Dena (Jon) Van Zuuk and Robin (Jeff) Hink, her six grandchildren Ashlee (Seth) McVey, Jeff (Kelsey) McVey, Taylor, Emily, Jacob, and Ryan Hink, 4 great-grandchildren, her two siblings Denny (Susie) Brown and Marcia (Charlie) Atkinson, and several nieces and nephews.
Pamela was preceded in death by her loving parents Mary Jane and Richard Brown, grandparents Luella and Orville Armstrong, Clarence and Elvera Brown, and a nephew Dustin Atkinson.
Visitation will be from 10am, Friday, December 22, 2023, with a celebration of life to follow at 11am at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Dr in Des Moines. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Please join the family for a luncheon and fellowship after the burial at the chapel.