Rich S. Vanderlinden

Rich was born September 22, 1962 in Escanaba, Michigan to Alma Arlene Vanderlinden and Richard Allen Vanderlinden. He had one sister, Tina Rudden and three brothers Jeff Vanderlinden, Tim Vanderlinden & Ken Vanderlinden.

Rich graduated from Gladstone High School in Gladstone, Michigan. He received an Undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University, where he was in the ROTC program. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the US Army as a Military Police Officer. During Colonel Vanderlinden’s 25 years in the Army, he attended the FBI Academy, completed two Masters Degrees (Michigan State University and the Army War College) worked in the US Embassy in Kuwait and took his Battalion to both Kosovo and Iraq. Rich had a second career after retiring from the Army. He spent 18 years working for the non-profit organization, ANSER (Analytical Services) where he continued to serve his country doing National security and Anti-terrorism work.

Rich married Kathryn Grace Johnson, of Gladstone, Michigan, in 1984. They have two adult children, Nicole and Zack Vanderlinden. Being a military family, they lived all over the US from Alaska to northern Virginia and spent three years living in Germany.

Rich enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy; seeing live music, drinking whiskey, watching the Green Back Packers, writing, and spending time in the mountains.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Richard. As well as, his sister Tina and brother, Jeff.

Rich is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Nicole and Zack (Kristi Coleman); his step-father, Steve Belanger; his brother, Ken Vanderlinden (Debbie) and his brother Tim Vanderlinden (Mary Jo)

People who knew Rich well speak with deep respect and admiration, a sentiment shared by both his family and colleagues throughout both his careers.

Rich Vanderlinden will have Military Funeral Honors in Arlington National Cemetery where his remains will be kept. The date will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or your local veteran outreach program.