Thomas Joseph Vander Meer
Thomas Joseph Vander Meer
Obituary
Guest Book
Thomas Vander Meer Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Thomas Joseph Vander Meer, 82, passed away at Azria Woodhaven in Great Bend, KS on Aug. 18, 2025. Born June 19,1943 in Le Mars, IA he was the son of Petar and Margaret (Tuynman) Vander Meer. Tom grew up in Le Mars graduating from Gehlen High School in 1961. Later he graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Master's in Business. Tom also graduated from Iowa State University with an Associate's Degree of Electronics. He married Barbara A. Grosenheider on Nov. 26, 1966 in Le Mars she passed away in 2013. Tom later Married Lynda Osteen Dec. 24, 2016 in Ellinwood, KS.
He grew up baking later owning Donut World from 1967 until 1979 in Le Mars, IA. Tom then worked for Yankton (SD) Police Dept. until 1981 before moving to Great Bend, KS and the Great Bend Police Dept. from 1981-1983. Later he worked at Great Bend Industries until retirement. Tom was also an avid HAM radio operator.
Survivors include spouse, Lynda Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS; siblings, Mary Conry, Wankee, IA, William Vander Meer, Ankeny, IA, Evely Albrect, Burnsville, MN, Anna Savage, Sarasota, FL, Dorothy Kelly, Boston, MA; sons, Peter (Cynthia) Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS, Mike Vander Meer, Olathe, KS, and Paul (Patricia) Vander Meer, Oronogo, MO. Other survivors include many Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by previous spouse, Barbara A. Vander Meer; and siblings, Peter Jr. Vander Meer and James Vander Meer.
Cremation has taken place inurnment will be scheduled at a later date at Lakin- Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67626.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Joseph Vander Meer, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
113 North Main St. PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526
Make a Donation
in Thomas Vander Meer's name
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Vander Meer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
