Milton Zaagman

Milton Zaagman
6th Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office 1974–1974
Preceded by	Robert VanderLaan
Succeeded by	William B. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Member of the Michigan Senate from the 32nd district 16th District (1963-1964)
In office January 1, 1963 – December 31, 1974
Preceded by	Perry W. Greene
Succeeded by	John R. Otterbacher
Personal details
Born	(1926-03-28)March 28, 1926 Grand Rapids, Michigan
Died	February 3, 2012(2012-02-03) (aged 85) Grand Rapids, Michigan
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	Wayne State University Calvin College
Profession	Mortician
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Battles/wars	World War II

Milton Zaagman was a Republican member of the Michigan Senate from 1963 through 1974 who was its majority leader in his final year.

Early life

A native of Grand Rapids, Zaagman attended Calvin College and earned a degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he married Martha Haverkamp and served three terms on the Kent County board of supervisors. Zaagman was also a director of the Kent County Library.^[1]

Senate career

After two unsuccessful campaigns for the state House, Zaagman won election to the Senate in 1962 and served four terms. During his tenure, the Legislature endeavored to implement the state's new constitution. Zaagman was elected president pro tempore in 1971, and majority leader in 1974. He was defeated for re-election in 1974 by John Otterbacher. That year, Zaagman had also ran unsuccessfully to fill the vacancy in Congress caused by Gerald Ford's elevation to the vice presidency.^[2]

Later life

When Zaagman left the Senate, he pursued a career in lobbying.^[3]

Zaagman died on February 3, 2012, aged 85.^[4]

References