Warren VanderLinden

Warren Leslie VanderLinden, 88, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, October 10, 2014 at his home.

Warren was born at the family home in Twin Valley on July 21, 1926, to John W. and Carrie (Aaby) VanderLinden, the youngest of five sons, and three daughters. Warren was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley by Reverend C.W. Aanestad. His education began with kindergarten and continued through tenth grade at Twin Valley Public School. He then attended and graduated from Pillsbury Military Academy at Owatonna, Minnesota. In April of 1944 Warren enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was called to active duty in January of 1945, which was all spent stateside, and was honorably discharged in November of 1945. After his time in the service, he attended flying school for his Private Pilot’s license, AIA, and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Warren married Carol Phillips on August 15, 1952 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The couple had three children, John, Patricia and James.

His fascination with the auto industry began with working at his dad’s Texaco station in Twin Valley at the age of 10. While in school in Minneapolis, he worked part time at the downtown Radisson Ramp, and continued in the automotive field at Crankshaft Service, an automotive machine shop. His career in the automotive field continued with employment with the Buick division of General Motors in 1953, in various positions throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana. In 1972, he began employment as Sales Manager at Minnesota Motor Company in Fergus Falls, and was made Used Car Manager in 1983, from which he retired in August of 1996. At age 78, he started working with the US Census Bureau, retiring in November of 2013. Since retiring, he has worked part time with merchandising companies, and has spent some time with the U. S. Census Bureau. In Fergus Falls, he has been active as Master Mason of Cornerstone Masonic Lodge, President of Rotary Club, volunteer at First Lutheran church and American Cancer Society.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Carol to 47 of the 50 United States as well as Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. He also enjoyed golf, bridge, family, good music, good food and good friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, seven siblings, Ray (Gertrude), Verna Gifford, Evelyn (Cuff) Gilbertson, Harriet (Walter) Gran, Dick (Gertrude) and Meryln; two nieces and one nephew.

Survivors include his wife, Carol of Fergus Falls; three children, John (Beth) of Baxter, MN, Patricia (friend, David Binnebose) of Fergus Falls; James (Lydia) of Underwood; ten grandchildren; Kris (Carol) Evavold, Dan (Tami) Evavold, Amy (Seth) Lynne, Pete (Allyssa Jensen) VanderLinden, Sam VanderLinden, Tyler VanderLinden, Annie VanderLinden, Alena (Michael) Storlie, Ried Wright, Erin Deutichlander; six great-grandchildren, Dylan and Boden “Van” Evavold, Asher Lynne, Jackson VanderLinden, Morgan Storlie, Kosa Lewis; sister-in-law, Adele VanderLinden and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice or the Masonic Scholarship Fund.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with a Masonic Service at 6:30. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls with Reverend Jennifer Rose officiating. Burial will take place at First Lutheran North Cemetery at a later date.

Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com