J. Merle "Jack" Vander Linden, 92, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, after a brief illness. Jack died on the birthday of his beloved wife of 63 years, Jackie (Pyfer) Vander Linden.

Jack was born to Adrian and Naomi (Jones) Vander Linden of Pleasantville, Iowa, on December 25, 1931, one of eight siblings. Jack was an accomplished homebuilder and real estate developer, partnering with his brother Leland over a 40-year career. He was a U.S. Army Korean War combat veteran and a Simpson College alum.

Jack led a long, happy, and fulfilling life devoted to his family, friends, and vocational calling. Jack is lovingly remembered by his three sons and their families, Lance (Shari) Vander Linden of Dallas, Texas; Brad (Teresa) Vander Linden of Indianola; and Eric (Susan) Vander Linden of Des Moines; grandchildren Jack (Kayla) Vander Linden of Dallas, Texas; Haley (Rivers) Hughes of Greenville, South Carolina; Owen Vander Linden of Dallas, Texas; Avie Vander Linden of Des Moines; Douglas Vander Linden of Indianola; Britton (Kirsten) Vander Linden of West Des Moines; and Marissa Vander Linden of London, England; and twin great-grandsons, J. Wilder and William Bodie Vander Linden of Dallas, Texas; by sisters Eloise Thorson of Story City, Kathleen Murphy of Altoona, and Sue Ogg of Weatherford, Texas; sisters-in-law, Sally Vander Linden of Pleasantville and Kathy Pyfer of Eugene, Oregon; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his dearest Jackie, siblings Patsy Shook, Leland Vander Linden, Sara Seaver, and Alan Vander Linden, brothers-in-law Max Shook, Richard Thorson, Robert Seaver, Patrick Murphy, David Ogg, and Charles M. Pyfer Jr., parents-in-law Charles M. and Vaeniece Pyfer, and niece Jani Levinson.

Jack will be buried, with full military honors, at a private family service on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. A celebration of life dinner will be held later that evening. If desired, memorials may be given to Kiya Koda of Indianola.