Edith Vander Linden Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Edith Vander Linden, 94, of Fremont, died Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born Monday, January 14, 1924, near Leighton, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Edna Grandia Brummel. She graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1942. Following graduation, she continued her education at Central College and earned her teaching certificate. Edith went on to teach at the Black Oak/Scott Center country school. On March 28, 1945, she was united in marriage to Norman Vander Linden at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton. That cherished union ended when Norman died June 19, 2011. After their marriage, Edith discontinued teaching and stayed busy helping Norman on the farm and raising their three girls. After their first few years in the Leighton and Lacey area, they purchased a farm north of Hedrick, Iowa. It was on that farm that Edith and Norman raised their family and built their life together for fifty years until retiring in 1998. In 1997 they moved to their home in Fremont. Edith was the quintessential farm wife. She was always available to take on farm responsibilities when needed, but her home was her primary focus. The house always sparkled, the weeds were always pulled, and there were always cookies and brownies for coffee time twice a day. Many friends and farm hands remember fondly her Dutch treats and warm hospitality. Faith was very important to Edith. She grew up in the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton and the family continued to attend there for several years after moving to Hedrick. In later years, they were faithful members of the Hedrick-Martinsburg Methodist Church where Edith served on the church board and in UMW. The two of them had a great sense of community. They were avid supporters of the Hedrick School District and all school activities, especially Band Boosters. She saw great value in 4-H and the lessons it taught her own girls and so many others. She was a Benton Live Wires 4-H leader for 27 years. She also gave selflessly over the years to the Farm Bureau as she served in various leadership roles. After retiring to Fremont, she became a weekly volunteer at the Fremont Schools for 7 years helping children learn to read. They, too, were the grateful recipients of her special treats. For many years she enjoyed camping at the State Fair and supporting Norman in showing his draft horses and mules. Without question, her greatest love was her family, and she was an exemplary wife, mother, and grandmother. Her character has influenced her family in immeasurable ways. Her mantra was to do it right the first time and never, never, never give up. To the end of her life, no endeavor was every considered too daunting not to elicit an “I'll try.” In her final few years her communication was limited, but her kindness and ever-present smile created some of the most precious relationships of her lifetime – a lesson her family will long remember. Included in that family are three daughters, Jean (Ron) Brown of Milan, Illinois, Janet Wonderlich of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Joni (Steve) Roquet of Fremont; seven grandchildren, Brian (Amy) Brown, Scott (Shannon) Brown, Ryan (Holly) Wonderlich, Kortney (Rob) Ryan, Grant (Leslie) Wonderlich, Brett Roquet, and Bryce Roquet; eleven great grandchildren, Emma Brown, Braden Brown, Michael Brown, Jenna Brown, Nash Wonderlich, Piper Wonderlich, Woods Wonderlich, Lee Ryan, Jeremiah Ryan, Jace Wonderlich and one more wonder arriving in November; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine (Mel) Vander Hoek and Erma Vander Linden; and six nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Norman, Edith was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother-in- law, Rueben and Adah Vander Linden; a son-in-law, Roger Wonderlich; and a sister and her husband, June (Clarence) Van Zee. Celebration of life services for 94 year old Edith Vander Linden of Oskaloosa and formerly of Fremont will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church in Hedrick. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery near Leighton. A procession will form at the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church at 12:30 for those wishing to go to the committal service. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 12 noon in the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church in Hedrick. The family will be at the church from 5-8 to greet friends and relatives.

Edith Vander Linden

January 14, 1924 - July 21, 2018

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