Thomas Joseph Vander Meer 1943 - 2025
ELLINWOOD — Thomas Joseph Vander Meer, 82, passed away at Azria Woodhaven in Great Bend, Kan. on Aug. 18, 2025. Born June 19,1943 in Le Mars, Iowa, 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, Kan.
He grew up baking later owning Donut World from 1967 until 1979 in Le Mars, Iowa. Tom then worked for Yankton (SD) Police Dept. until 1981 before moving to Great Bend, Kan. 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, Kan.; siblings, Mary Conry, Wankee, Iowa, William Vander Meer, Ankeny, Iowa, Evely Albrect, Burnsville, Minn., Anna Savage, Sarasota, Fla., Dorothy Kelly, Boston, Mass.; sons, Peter (Cynthia) Vander Meer, Ellinwood, Kan., Mike Vander Meer, Olathe, Kan., 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.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67626
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 23, 2025