Merle D. Vandervelde

Merle D. Vandervelde

August 19, 1936 - June 08, 2023

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Obituary

COTTAGE GROVE - Merle Paul Vandervelde, 86, of Cottage Grove, died June, Thursday, June 8, 2023, from cancer.


Merle was born on Aug. 19, 1936, to Dora and Paul Vandervelde. He was the youngest of the family following brothers, Harry and Darvin; and sisters, Jeanette, Joan, Ruby, and twin sister, Perle. He grew up in Friesland, Wis., and graduated from Cambria High School.


Merle married Mabel Irene Hauck on Dec. 16, 1961, in Waupun, Wis. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage which included the birth of four children: Kara (Andy) Schroeder, Cyndi (Mike Buell), Paul (Shelly) Vandervelde and Jeffrey Vandervelde. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.


Merle was known for his hard work ethic and worked for over 30 years at Oscar Mayer as an electrician. He was gifted in all things mechanical and was able to help and bless many family members, friends and his church by helping with their home and car repairs.


Merle and Mabel were founding members of Buckeye Evangelical Free Church (now Door Creek Church). He was an active member throughout his life. His trust in Jesus Christ guiding his life. His dying wish was wanting everyone to know that Jesus is everything.


Merle enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and all things sports. He was an avid Badger fan and could be often seen at a Badgers basketball and volleyball games with his grandchildren at the Kohl Center and the Field House.


Merle is preceded in death by his parents; and all his siblings. He very much looked forward to seeing them all again when reunited in Heaven.


A funeral service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.


The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for providing excellent compassionate in home and residential hospice care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




Events

15
Visitation
Thu Jun 15, 2023 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Door Creek Church • 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, WI 53718
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15
Funeral Service
Thu Jun 15, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Door Creek Church • 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions
15
Graveside Service
Thu Jun 15, 2023 @ 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Highland Memory Gardens • 3054 County Rd BB, Madison, WI 53718
Get Directions

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Memories

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Merle
ME
Mary Erickson
Other •
Merle night fishing with the Hauck side of the family on the White Chain of lakes. He some how hooked himself in his thumb deep enough for a trip to the Emergency Room in Brainerd. Jeffrey has the rest of the story.. Love you Merle and will miss you. Your favorite sister in law...
JH
Jodi Ray Hallock
Other •
Merle was a man of character who lived out the love of Christ. As a single mother he readily helped with my lawn care and snow removal. He and Mabel stepped in with words of wisdom to myself and daughters many times. He raised wonderful children who also love and know Jesus. He has left a loving legacy.
EF
Eisbrenner Family
Other •
Our sincere condolences to everyone that was a part of Merle’s life. He touched many lives and will be thought of often. Because of him being a spiritual man and a lover of Jesus we know that this scripture would have given him comfort and it’s our hope that it brings you comfort. John 5:28 “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus Christ) voice and come out “. The death of a loved one is extremely painful but have faith in God Jehovah’s promise of a resurrection. May the God of all comfort be with you always.
TT
The friends of Brett Buell at East Madison Toyota
Other •
With Sympathy,
SG
Shawn Geishert
Other •
I am saddened by the loss of a father to dear friends of the past. It is further felt as hard missing the past of Buckeye Evangelical Free Church that Merle seemed to embrace at the time. May he rest in peace.
DS
Donna Stark
Other •
Jeff, I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

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