Thelma Vandergon, age 94, of Maple Lake, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Buffalo Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Silver Community Church near Maple Lake, with Pastor Bob Schut officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, rural Maple Lake. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday at the church, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Silver Creek Community Church.
Thelma Kuiper was born on February 21, 1930, in Doon, Iowa. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Silver Creek Township in 1943. She graduated from Annandale High School in 1947. On October 14, 1949, she was united in marriage to Richard Vandergon at Silver Creek Reformed Church. They made their home near Maple Lake and raised their five children. After Richard’s death in 1991, Thelma continued to make her home in Maple Lake. On May 14, 2006, Thelma was united in marriage to Laverne Anderson at Silver Creek Community Church. She dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker and the well-being of others, serving for 19 years as a home health aide and nursing assistant, and for 10 years as a cook.
Thelma was a steadfast presence in her family’s life. Each of her children carried with them the values she instilled-faith, love, and the importance of family. In addition to her commitment to her family, Thelma was one of the first female elders of her church, a role that reflected her deep faith and dedication to her community. Her passion for gardening, love of reading, and enjoyment of puzzles served as a testament to her vibrant spirit and zest for life. Traveling the world with her loved ones created cherished memories that will forever be treasured.
She is survived by her husband, Laverne Anderson of Maple Lake; children, Dean (Marne) Vandergon of Greeley, CO, Daniel (Peggy) of Maple Lake, Gwen (Wayne) Johnson of Monticello, and Brenda (Doug) Hagel of Maple Lake; daughter-in-law, Glenna Vandergon of Maple Lake; stepdaughter, Stacy (Jeff) Schlichter of Minnetonka; 12 grandchildren, Joy, Matt, Hope, Josh, Breanna, Brett, Erick, Craig, Jessi, Carl, April, and Kasie; 13 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Connor, Isabella, Keagan, Morgan, Jake, Hannah, Cora, Easton, Wyatt, Bridger, Greyson, and Kai; siblings, John (Joyce) Kuiper, Willis Kuiper, JoAnn Miersma, Albertha Kuiper, Lori Vellenga, and Ann Ensing; sisters-in-law, Sadie Kuiper and Elaine Malone; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; son, Richard; great-great-grandchild, Daisy; siblings, Hester Smith, Bert Kuiper, Henry Kuiper, Dorothy Schut Doorenbos and Jeannette Kuiper; and son-in-law, Steve Carriveau.
Thelma’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com