Wilma E. Vander Linden

Sheldon, Iowa

Wilma E. Vander Linden, 91, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon. Her funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon with Rev. Christopher Martin, officiating.

To View Wilma's service via livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@StPaulSheldon/streams

Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation will take place after the graveside service at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

IN LOVING MEMORY

WILMA E. VANDER LINDEN

BORN

August 7, 1934

Willow Lake, South Dakota

PASSED AWAY

March 21, 2026

Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026

St. Paul Lutheran Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Rev. Christopher Martin - Officiating

MUSIC

“Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”

Sung by Molly Vander Linden

Accompanied By: Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry”

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

Organist: Barb Burns

CASKET BEARERS

Molly Vander Linden 

Andy Vander Linden

Kendra Vander Linden 

Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

Mark Bonnema 

Joshua Tremmel

Kate Deines 

Joshua Deines

FINAL RESTING PLACE

St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery

Sheldon, Iowa

After today’s graveside service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Breathe Bravely, Spencer Special Olympics or St. Paul Lutheran Stained Glass Window Repair.

Wilma Edna Vander Linden, the daughter of Harry and Martha (Waldow) Warkenthien was born August 7, 1934, on a farm near Willow Lake, SD. Wilma was baptized and confirmed in the Willow Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church in Willow Lake, SD. She attended school in a rural one room schoolhouse through 8th grade and graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1952. Following a six-week business course in Huron, SD, Wilma’s career led her to work for many different companies such as Power City Radio, United Fire and Casualty, and Sears in Sioux Falls, SD.

Wilma was united in marriage to Robert Vander Linden on June 12, 1955, in the Willow Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church in Willow, SD. Following the wedding, Robert and Wilma made their home in Sioux Falls, SD where they lived for eleven years and started their family. In 1966, they moved to a farm near Sheldon, IA. Before Robert’s death in 2019, they celebrated their sixty-fourth wedding anniversary.

Wilma’s involvement and commitment to her church was unwavering. Whether it was being a charter member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD or being an active member in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon, IA for over sixty years, Wilma was deeply committed to her church. She spent years teaching Sunday school, attending Bible studies, and being a part of the church ministry that sewed quilts and dresses for Lutheran World Relief. Wilma also spent many years as a 4-H leader and was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Wilma might be best remembered by friends and family for her love of crafting and sewing. Over the years, many hours were spent crocheting beautiful baby blankets, towels, and hangers. Her hand sewn Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls were a loving addition to any home. What she might be best remembered for, however, are the hundreds of exquisitely made Barbie clothes she designed and sewed. Wilma had a generous heart for sharing not only for sewing but her baked and canned goods. She loved exchanging recipes with her family and friends. Wilma always enjoyed spending time and making memories with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were always very special to her.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children, family, and dear friends. Son, Craig (Krista) Vander Linden of Sheldon, IA; daughters, Linda (Barry) Nieuwenhuis of Hospers, IA, and Brenda Tremmel of Sheldon, IA; grandchildren, Molly Vander Linden, Andrew (Kendra) Vander Linden, Ashely (Mark) Ballou-Bonnema, Kathryn (Josh) Deines, and Joshua Tremmel; great grandchildren, Ruby, Paige, and Brooks Vander Linden, John, Jayden, and Jensyn Deines; step grandchildren, Faith Monen, Amanda (Lee) Verdoorn, Lee (Daisy) Nieuwenhuis; step great grandchildren, Dylan (Willow) Monen, Tristan and Jamin Verdoorn, Kara, Cameron, Emmett, Owen, and Penny Nieuwenhuis; great-great grandchildren, Felix and Eliza Monen, and sister-in-law Donette Warkenthien.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, grandson, Nathaniel Ballou; sisters, Fern Loewen, Violet Kruse, Kathleen McHenry, Alma Baumen; brothers, Martin, Marvin, Donald, Lyle, and Roger Warkenthien.