Age 26, of Valmeyer, IL, passed away on the 2nd of February, 2025.
He was born on the 21st of April, 1998 to Mia and Ed VanZandt at Andrews AFB, MD. For this couple, Eddie was the fulfillment of dreams for the blessing of a child, and he was their only.
After his early years as an “Air Force Brat” in the United Kingdom, Eddie was raised in Valmeyer, IL from the age of 6 until adulthood. He went on to university studies at The King’s College in Manhattan, NY. He touched the lives of everyone he met in a unique and positive way—so much so that he earned a special mention and service award upon his graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Eddie was a devout Catholic and served the Lord in a multitude of capacities, including membership in the Knights of Columbus. He had a remarkable career as a Human Geographer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Springfield, VA. In his short time there, he quickly earned a reputation as being a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge on the situations and subjects he analyzed. He was quite often called upon to assess and edit the reports and presentations of his colleagues before their critical information was provided to high-level decision-makers in the United States government.
Eddie is survived by his parents Ed and Mia.
Services; Funeral from Kutis South County (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Monday 2/24 9:30AM for 10AM mass at Assumption Catholic Church (Mattis Rd.). Interment Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 4-8PM
We are heartbroken for your family to hear of Eddies passing. He was a caring and thoughtful young man.
Thank you.
As broken as my heart is, I know heaven gained a beautiful angel. I will cherish all the memories and fun times spent in conversation and adventures together.
I’ll keep looking for those four leaf clovers buddy. ☘️
Love you so very much,
Aunt Kathy
Love you Kathy.
Eddie was blessed with so much love from you and your family.
The love he gave you guys was returned ten-fold.
You are a great man and you always had a smile on your face. We shared some great conversations and have had a lot of fun memories that I will cherish forever. I’ll make sure to eat a lot of Imos pizza and Sybergs wings for the both of us. God Speed Eddie.
-Love cousin sammy.
God bless you Sammy.
It must be in the genes, because you are quite an extraordinary man yourself.
You make us so proud.
We are brokenhearted by your death, but we know you are in heaven. Dear nephew, I loved you from the moment I learned that your mom and dad were expecting you. I will cherish the memories of the time we spent together. I just wish we had another 26 years with you.
Love you forever, and I am so very proud of everything you accomplished in your short life. Love your Aunt Rebecca
“Always believe in yourself, God, and the Truth. You must never lose faith in these.”
-Eddie
Thank you Rebecca.
26 years seems so short now, but oh how much love we packed into them!
God bless us, everyone.
Our heart breaks for the both of you and your family. We cherish the memories that we have of our son growing up together. We, (meaning I) even offered up our youngest Grace as a “permanent” playmate for little Eddie because he was just such an awesome young man to be around. We continue to cherish all of the fond memories we have as we continue to offer you our condolences.
Thank you guys.
Your family is a shining example of a legacy of love–and it made our family that much tighter just being with you. Mia, Eddie and I are so blessed to consider you family too. The memories of those bonfires–and that man-camp experience at Du Bubois… Such happy times with you guys.
Thank you guys.
Your family is a shining example of a legacy of love–and it made our family that much tighter just being with you. Mia, Eddie and I are so blessed to consider you family too. The memories of those bonfires–and that man-camp experience at Du Bubois… Such happy times with you guys.
Thank you guys.
Your family is a shining example of a great legacy of love. We are so blessed to consider you our family as well. We will also cherish all those wonderful memories: The bonfires, that Man-Camp experience at Camp Du Bubois… Such happy times together.
Ed and Mia, please accept my deepest condolences for your son. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Thank you Mike,
All of this support from friends like you… It’s truly what is keeping us going right now. God bless you, my brother.
A beautiful tribute fitting for a remarkable young man. Eddie was one of a kind and the best of the best. His light will continue to shine bright in the world. Love and prayers for strength and peace, Mia and Ed.
Love you guys!
Eric–you look too much like your cousin Dan! (Sorry for the mistaken identity.)
Thanks for visiting last night, and Jen–give Sophie a huge Texas-sized hug from Mia and me.
We are blessed to have your family in our lives!
Ed and Mia, please accept my deepest condolences to your son. When I heard about his death, I was so saddened, and tears come to my eyes. Eddie and I went to the Library of Congress in November 2024, before the Thanksgiving holiday, to look at some maps. We had a full day, rich with lots of conservation. He knew it I have a Kurdish background; therefore, we had lot talks about Kurds in Iraq and over the whole world. After that day, I often stopped by his desk to chit chat. I learned that he also loved Kurdish food, so I broth him some delicious homemade Kurdish food from home. He was very polite and respectful. As a father, I know what it’s like to be proud of my sons, and I know that you should be proud of yours too.
Thank you sincerely, Ardalan, for these kind words.
Eddie spoke to us with great excitement about your visit to the Library of Congress. He was very happy to know you as both a co-worker and as a friend.
Mia and I will always treasure knowing that you were so kind to him. It warms our hearts to think of the pleasant times you two spent together.
His conversations with you about Kurdistan led him to ask me about my experiences in Bashur, Erbil, Zakho, Dahuk, and Mosul. I shared many stories about the beautiful people in this region. We are “brothers from another mother”, and I will always consider this so.
I pray for peace, prosperity, health and happiness for you and yours. :0)
Eddie was one of a kind and he has left a lasting legacy. Eddie will forever be remembered for his heart of service. It was a honor to know him and I am thankful for the time we had together. Sending all my love.
Thank you sincerely Angelica,
It gives Mia and me great comfort to know how loved he was within your gang. We have a ton of happy memories that you were a part of. God bless you.
My heart aches for all of you. Eddie’s life was a true blessing & his memory will forever be a source of inspiration for all who loved him.
Thank you Judy,
And God bless you and yours. Our “ARCH family” is truly a gift from God.
Ed & Mia, I was so sorry to hear about Eddie. Please accept my deepest condolences, words just cannot describe the heartache you all are going through right now. From now and always you will be in my prayers!!
Thank you, my brother.
We absolutely appreciate your prayers. Know that we are praying for your health and happiness as well.
Please accept my deepest condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he Rest in the arms of angels.
Thank you so much Melissa,
The outpouring of love from our ARCH Family has been simply amazing. You all are simply the best.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Eddie’s passing. He was always the sweetest young man and the most caring individual. He was always a great friend to Rachel and dearly loved by all who knew him. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We will continue to keep you and Eddie in our prayers
Thank you Reena,
Those memories we have of Eddie and Rachel are very dear to us. Thank you for the prayers.
May you and Mia find peace. My family is keeping you, Mia, and Eddie in our thoughts.
Thank you brother,
We appreciate the love.
Eddie and I studied together at Kings. He was such a light to the community and loved by all.
I had the joy of catching up with Eddie two winters ago. I was living in Edinburgh and he was visiting the city for Hogmanay. I didn’t know he was there but we literally ran into each other (he bummed into me haha) on the street and we immediately recognized each other. We made plans to share dinner the next night at the pub. He got to meet my husband and we spent the evening all catching up and talking about TKC and his work in DC. When we left, he wouldn’t let us pay for our meal and insisted he would cover it.
Eddie will be missed by so many. My prayers are with your family as you grieve his loss.
Thank you Hannah,
Eddie has told us all about that encounter. He was so pleased to have run into you there–on the other side of the pond from his home in DC. Just the memories of his stories from that entire trip are precious to us. God bless.
Eddie and Mia. All families. My deepest heartfelt condolences. From all the beautiful, spiritual words I have head and read., I feel like I have known Eddie111. What a wonderful young man. I know you feel jipped ! Eddie will always remain by you and in your broken hearts. Helen has done a great job, raising such wonderful spiritual family , I certainly cannot imagine my life without any one of you all! Mia I’m sure your family is just as wonderful. With all this said Eddie was the best of everyone! I am deeply saddened by your loss , however heaven has gained a saint, he will always be there for you all!all my love and prayers for peace Beth Bujnak
Thank you Beth,
All of our love to you and yours as well. We hold you in our prayers for continued health and happiness. God bless us, every one.
Eddie was one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure to encounter and it is a true loss he isn’t here anymore. I’m honored to have met him and spent time with him at Kings- our freshmen year we had the same two classes in a row and often would end up sitting near each other or waiting outside classrooms together striking up a litany of discussions. He was a good man, and I am honored to share in his memory and to know the kindness he granted so freely lives on in so many. Wishing peace upon his family and those most closely affected by his loss and praying for all to remember a moment of joy he brought in remembrance. I look forward to seeing him again someday in heaven where he has been made perfect and whole.
Thank you Meghan,
The King’s College was a perfect haven for him. We are so inspired by all of you.
Your love and prayers touch our hearts.
Dear Mia and Ed, I am so sorry to hear about your son, Eddie. I am thinking of you, and praying for you. You are in my heart and on my mind.
Sincerely,
Ann (Calandro) Padberg
Thank you Ann,
Our love to you and yours as well. :0)
I’ll never forget the time when, on a King’s debate trip to DC, Eddie climbed the steps of the Supreme Court with us and his full-size Irish flag. Policemen ran up to us to kick us off for being foreign agents, or advertising for foreign agents—or something like that. Anyway, they were mad. We complied. I laugh about that story all the time, and it’s made funnier because we know, of all people, that the last person to be a foreign agent would be Eddie.
Eddie was a core part of the King’s debate team, not only because of his thorough briefings, but because of his unique, endearing presence and kind friendship. I am grateful to have known him as a teammate and friend, and I am grieved by his loss.
Thank you so much KC. That story makes us laugh too. He had quite a few entertaining stories from his debate trips too! Mia and I are so grateful for the love you all gave to him in his life.
My deepest condolences to you, Ed and Mia. Eddie was a classmate of mine at King’s and he played a critical role helping me study for exams, patiently sitting with me and clearly explaining the material.
Then in December he showed up to my Christmas party, invited by another classmate, and I was pleasantly surprised to see him (I didn’t realize he was in DC)! We all mused about days gone by and that we now all live in the same city. He stayed until the very end, into the wee hours of the morning, discussing Middle Eastern politics and traditions around praying the rosary. He made a point to follow up with a “thank you” for the party, expressing encouragement to be around others ushering in the season with hymns and good cheer. I was so happy to have had him around and was looking forward to more good conversation. I’m so sorry for your loss! Know that I’m keeping you all in my prayers!
Thank you most sincerely, Savannah Anne.
Mia and I are so deeply touched by your memory. It makes us proud to know how meaningful he is in so many others’ lives. We know too that many share in the pain we feel with his passing. It gives us great comfort to realize that, even when away on his own, he experienced all the joy and love that we held for him. Thank you for being such a good friend–and know that we consider you part of our family now.
God bless!
Love and God’s comfort to Ed and Mia. Cherish the special memories of your handsome son. I probably won’t be able to make the services but know I will be there in spirit and sending prayers your way.
Thank you sincerely Lisa. Our love to you and yours.
Eddie’s loss is felt deeply by all of us who knew him. He was one of a kind – always smiling, always helpful to others. My deepest sympathy to you both and your extended family.
Thank you Sharon,
Everyone in this beautiful community has been overwhelmingly supportive. We feel your love! Thank you.
Eddie was a delight. I was a young homeschooled kid who had moved to the city and was very tentative about being in a proper school for the first time (Kings) and Eddie immediately put me at ease and went out of his way to welcome me. His faith was as big as his heart. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that the love Eddie put out was just as warmly returned by all who had the blessing to cross pass with him,
Thank you.
Truly, you all are a blessing to Eddie, Mia, and me. We shall always cherish the love you share with us.
I also knew Eddie at King’s. We met while still in high school, both in NYC for the scholarship competition. He and I were in the same competition room, so we got to see each other’s presentations. I remember that he emailed me the summer following once the announcements came out to congratulate me on getting an honorable mention (how he even found that out I’m not sure).
And so, he was a familiar face before school started. I started King’s one semester late, then I left and returned a year and a half later. In my disjointed journey, Eddie was a constant. He never forgot my name. He always had a smile for me anytime I saw him in the hallways. It was a gift to receive that smile, and it is a gift to live now with that smile in my memory.
I miss his presence.
Thank you Elaina!
Eddie (like his father) wasn’t the best at remembering names. The fact that he remembered yours speaks volumes about the impact you made on his life.
Mia and I are so grateful for the love and companionship he garnered from all of you at TKC. You guys will always be family to us.
Nikki and I’s hearts are with you both. Prayers and deepest condolences
Thank you, my brother. We’ve all had our share of heartache over the years, haven’t we? Your prayers are appreciated!
My heart goes out to you in this time, Ed and Mia! I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my family’s thoughts and prayers daily. Your son was clearly a bright light to many in his life, and I am praying that you all will find comfort that only God can provide.
Thank you Andrea! Your prayers mean so much to us right now.
My most sincere condolences to you, Ed and Mia.
Eddie and I went to King’s together, and I’m so grateful for the friendship we shared there, and after graduation, with us both living so close to one another.
There are so many memories that I’m going to cherish, but I suppose I just wanted to say that you raised a truly spectacular individual. I have never met anyone who loved so deeply, and so easily. He befriended everyone, and consistently showed that love is not finite. He never ran out of love to give.
His love for his family was so evident. He will be truly, deeply missed.
Thank you Marisa,
It’s obvious to us that the love Eddie poured out for others was returned to him abundantly. Thank you for the love you have shared–with him, and with us.
Ed & Mia, you have been in my thoughts and prayers since Lydia first called me with the news. And you will continue to be for a long time to come. I know we’ve never met but I wanted to take just a moment of your time and say Thank you! Thank you for sending Eddie to Kings, if you hadn’t Lydia would never have met him. Without his irreplaceable friendship, her life would have not been as interesting, full of philosophical discussions, and downright fun! His passing will leave a huge hole in her life. Thank you for sharing your son! I pray for you both.
Thank you Ronda,
We thank God for the friendships Eddie garnered from Kings–especially Lucas and Lydia. It comforts us to know what a beautiful relationship he had with his friends, and we shall never forget them.
To the VanZandts,
I didn’t know your son, but I feel the pain for you. He appears to have been a wonderful young man, which I hope brings you a lot of consolation.
May you lean into your faith in our Loving Father. My wife and I will pray for you.
I was a contractor when Eddie was an intern in St. Louis. Now an IMA, I saw Admiral Whitworth’s email today. Blessings to the VanZandts.
Thank you all. Your prayers and support have help Mia and I struggle through this heartbreak.
Ed and Mia, our team was so sad to hear of Eddie’s passing. It’s clear Eddie touched many lives and lives fondly in many memories. Your family is in our thoughts every day.
Thank you Julia!
Hello,
I am so sorry for your profound loss. Eddie was a wonderful human being, and beloved by his coworkers. I remember coming in as an intern and though I only met him virtually, he was always such a funny, bright person in our intern chat rooms.
Sending support and love in this immensely difficult time.