Linda Rhae Vander Weele, 84, of Oostburg, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Pine Haven Christian Communities – Haven Drive.
Linda was born to Chester and Gertrude (Lensink) Mentink on July 11, 1941, in Oostburg. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1959 and went on to attend Central College in Pella, Iowa.
On June 2, 1964, she was united in marriage to Paul Vander Weele in Oostburg. He preceded her in death on July 16, 2017.
Linda worked as a grocery store clerk at Mentink’s through three generations of ownership, her dad, brother, and nephews. She worked as a phone operator for the phone company in Oostburg for a few years.
She was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church in Oostburg, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and was a part of the Women’s Guild. She enjoyed knitting, teaching 4H girls, and her many pets she owned over the years. Linda loved going on road trips with Paul, bike riding, and attending concerts. Linda was young at heart and will always be remembered for her homemade applesauce.
Linda is survived by her brother-in-law, Ken Simmelink; several nieces and nephews, Lance Mentink, Nancy Vander Jagt, Scott (Carol) Mentink, Kendal (Lori) Mentink, Jay (Sue) Mentink, Melissa (Tim) Kildea, Christopher (Michelle) Mentink, Weson (Laura) Gizaw, Dean (Barb) Brasser, Bob (Peggy) Brasser, Julee (Tim) Barnett, Kim (Pam) Simmelink, Pam (Christopher) Yarberry, and Lisa (Ken) Wilson. She is furthered survived by her dear friend Gay Wynveen, numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband Paul, parents, sisters Lee Simmelink and Judith (Dale) Brasser, and brother Stuart (Eleanor) Mentink.
A funeral service for Linda will be held at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 3:00pm.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at the funeral home from 2:00pm until the time of service.
Memorials are appreciated in Linda’s name to Pine Haven Christian Communities or First Reformed Church Library Fund.
Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg is honored to assist the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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