Michael Wayne VanZuiden, age 51, of Albert Lea, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea. He was born May 8, 1956, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Wayne and Leslye (Peterson) VanZuiden. He graduated from high school in Fulton, Ill., in 1974.

On July 22, 1978, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Brown in Clinton, Iowa, and together they have made their home in Albert Lea the past 25 years.

Michael was employed by the Swift Echrich Company in Clinton, Iowa, and Wells, and GSS securities in Albert Lea.

In his free time, Michael enjoyed hunting, bowling in several leagues and riding his motorcycle.

Michael is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Albert Lea; father Wayne of Fulton, Ill.; sister, Penny (Gerald) VonEssen of Savanna, Ill.; and brothers: Rodney (Ronda) VanZuiden of Springfield, Ill., Tracy (Kim) VanZuiden of Stafford, Va.. There are four nieces and nephews: Shanna, Dana, Kyle and Tyler; and four great-nieces and -nephews: Alissa, Braken, Noah and Caleb.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Leslye, grandparents, and one great niece, Andrea Miner.