John R. Van der Linde, 79, previously of Deering, NH, died peacefully in Oviedo, FL on April 16 2023, with his loving family at his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, and was known for his humanitarian traits and his homemade pasta sauce.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Dr. John & Mrs. Elizabeth (Dries) Van der Linde, he grew up in Jamestown, ND, and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, he worked at General Electric in Salem, VA, and Warren, OH, and at GTE Sylvania in Hillsboro, NH. John served for thirteen years in the Army National Guard, serving the states of North Dakota, Virginia, and Ohio, and retiring as a Captain. He enjoyed several other career callings, including additional positions as an engineer, real estate professional, and computer salesman. He was highly respected by his colleagues for his professionalism and knowledge in all of his trades.
In his free time, he enjoyed reading, walking and spending time with the many dogs he has had throughout his life. John was a member of the Hillsboro, NH, Lions Club for many years, and was a Brother of the Masonic Harmony Lodge #38 of Hillsboro, NH, where he held many different offices including Master of the Lodge. He also served on the Hillsboro-Deering School Board and the Deering Planning Board. John’s passing is a great loss to his family and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gwen (McWilliams) Van der Linde of Oviedo, FL; his children Robert J. Van der Linde of Aurora, IL and Cynthia (Van der Linde) Gidley & her husband Craig, his granddaughter, Mackenzie Gidley of Oviedo, FL; his brother Robert H. Van der Linde and his wife Ann of Jackson, TN; his sister-in-law Joyce (Essler) McWilliams of Bemidji, MN; niece Marni (Van der Linde) Bales of Dallas, TX; and nephew Ian McWilliams of North Branch, MN.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his daughter-in-law Rachel (Kukulka) Van der Linde.
A Masonic service and celebration of life will be held in his honor on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 905 Laurel Avenue, Sanford, FL.