Linda Mary Vanden Heuvel

Linda (Lin, Linny) Mary Vanden Heuvel was granted her angel wings on Thursday, September 15, 2022 when her golden heart stopped beating.  Her final days were spent surrounded by family at home after she made her final dinner call to us on Wednesday.  She had touched so many lives in various ways throughout her very memorable life.  Linda was the caring wife of Gary for the last 54 years, loving mother of Christie (Mike), David (Ria), and Renee (Greg), and proud grandmother of Victoria, Emma, Evan, Cooper, Beau, and Drew.

Lin’s joy and greatest accomplishments brightly shine in her family.  She has left beautiful reflections of herself in her children and grandchildren who will continue to carry on her legacy.  One can’t think of her without picturing her beaming with pride at her grandchildrens’ many sporting events.  We are relieved knowing that she will continue to have “the best seat in the house” as she watches over us, not only in sports but in LIFE.

Lin always put others first, even during her last moments.  Anyone who knew Lin knew that she was the most loving wife, mother, sibling, aunt, daughter and friend a family could ask for.  She shared a loving and compassionate life.  Many would remember her  for her comical CNA stories, mischief with Mary, her cleaning buddy,  and being the most amazing babysitter, and best stay-at-home mom a person could ask for. 

Lin was born in Appleton on November 9, 1947 to Edward and Mildred Hildebrandt and resided in Appleton for the rest of her life.  She grew up with 4 siblings Mary, Tom, Jean and Vicki who she shared many great memories with.  Lin graduated from Appleton High School with her sweetheart Gary in 1966.  They made countless fond memories with their friends throughout the years, many of them including wetting their pants from laughter.  She married her lifelong partner in crime on July 13, 1968 and then raised her beautiful family at their loving home on Van Dyke Road.  She devoted her life to her children and opened her home to babysitting where she welcomed other children and treated them like her own.  They will remember her fondly for the love she shared, best kool aid drinks, popsicles, and backyard/front porch picnics.  This is also how she gained her “third daughter” Erin who became a part of the Vanden Heuvel family. 

Lin welcomed everyone to her well maintained home and always had a drink, snack, or favorite meal prepared for you before you left.  You always felt cared for!  As her children got older she gave the same love and care to the many friends that walked through the door; many of them referring to her as “Mom”.  Mom will be forever remembered for her famous wake up songs, abundant snack drawer, natural backyard slip and slide fun, campfires, beautiful flowers, wooden spoon chases, cottage vacations, and #1 fan (sometimes rowdy) at multiple athletic events.  However, the greatest thing she will be remembered for was the selfless love she shared.  She was our biggest supporter!  May we continue to feel her love always in our hearts and share it with others as she did. 

Funeral service will be held at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond St in Appleton, WI on September 23, 2022 visitation from Noon until 2pm, with a service to follow at 2pm. Officiating will be Deacon C.F. Dedman.

Our family would like to thank Thedacare Hospice who guided us to her final sunset and gave Mom the option to choose quality and rest; allowing her to let go and be free.  A special thanks to caregivers Jennifer and Kathy.  We would also like to thank all of our family and friends for their support, thoughtfulness, and prayers during this difficult time.

We will never say goodbye.

Instead we will carry you in our hearts forever.

Fly free without pain or discomfort.

Love you!

Toodles and Goodnight…

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Mary Vanden Heuvel, please visit our floral store.