Alma Arlene Vanderlinden, 72, of 420 Minnesota Avenue, Gladstone, passed away Saturday morning, November 29, 2008 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a lengthy illness.

Alma was born April 22, 1936 in Gladstone the daughter of Henry and Doris (Smith) Skoglund. Alma was raised in Gladstone and she was a 1954 graduate of the Gladstone High School. Alma was united in marriage to Richard Vanderlinden and they made their home in Gladstone where they raised their 5 children. Richard preceded Alma in death in 1972.

Alma was an avid Chicago Bears fan, and when she was healthy, she enjoyed traveling with her longtime companion of 35 years, Steve Belanger. She also cherished spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her longtime companion Steve, survivors include;

4 sons; Jeff Vanderlinden of Escanaba: Tim (Mary Jo) Vanderlinden of Gladstone; Richard (Kathy) Vanderlinden of Virginia; Kenneth (Debbie) Vanderlinden of Gladstone

1 daughter: Tina (Gary) Rudden of Gladstone

3 brothers: Harry (Arlene) Rajala of Marquette; Kris (Beverly) Skoglund of Skandia; Bill (Patricia) Rajala of Blaine, Minnesota

1 sister: Dianne Crandall of New Jersey

2 brother-in-laws: Ronald and Bob (Kay) Vanderlinden of Gladstone

2 sister-in-laws: Betty Roberts and Kay Pepin of Glastone

11 grandchildren: Jason, Kelsey, Kyle, Shannon, Ashley, Josh, Nichole, Zachary, Stephen, Trenton and Skylar.

2 great grandchildren: Kayleigh and Kaycee

Special cousin, Carol Sailors of Hobart, IN

Numerous nieces, nephew, cousins, aunts and uncles

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Alma’s family will receive friends on Tuesday December 2, 2008 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Alma Vanderlinden will follow at 3:00 PM at the Skradski Fuenral Home with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone officiating. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.