Melvina (Vina) Vander Linde,(Pranger) age 95, of Grand Rapids, MI, peacefully went to be with her Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Melvina was born on January 21, 1931, in Hospers, Iowa, the youngest of Cornelius and Anna (Westerman) Venema's seven children. After attending Hospers Christian School and Western Christian High School, she went on to earn a teaching degree from Calvin College and a degree in library science from Western Michigan University. On August 16, 1951, she married Donald J. Vander Linde Sr. That same year, she and Don helped found Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, where she remained a faithful, lifelong member. Melvina began her career as a teacher in the Grand Rapids Christian Schools and later became the head librarian at Sylvan Christian School. This role allowed her to share her deep love for books and learning with hundreds of children, and late in her career, she also helped introduce them to computer technology.

In retirement, her passion for learning never waned. She continued reading, attending CALL classes, golfing, and traveling. She cherished time spent visiting her grandchildren and remained deeply involved in her community, volunteering as the head librarian at Raybrook Manor, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Kids' Hope, Crossroads Ministries and various church activities.

Melvina is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years, Marlowe Pranger, and his daughters, Nancy and Kerry. Her legacy lives on through her children: Dr. Donald (Donna) Vander Linde Jr. of Grand Rapids, MI; Douglas (Julie) Vander Linde of Norcross, GA; and Patricia Waanders of Springdale, AR. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Norma Venema and Nijole Venema and many loving nieces and nephews. Melvina took immense joy in her grandchildren: Nathaniel, Stephen, Johanna, Elizabeth (Tyler) Hamersma; Alexander (Brooke), Ashley, Aaron, and Alexia Vander Linde; and Bethany, Tiffany, and Duncan (Kate DeHaan) Waanders. She was also the proud great-grandmother of John, Henry, Silvia, Wilhelm, and Reese.

Melvina was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Anna (Westerman) Venema; her stepmothers, Arta and Johanna; and her loving husband of 54 years, Donald J. Vander Linde Sr. She was also preceded by her siblings: Harriet (Roy) DeJong, Thersa (Herbert) Peters, John (Virginia) Venema, Rev. Henry (Audrey) Venema, Rev. Richard (Carrie and Mary) Venema, and Rev Alvin Venema; sisters-in-law, Martha (Tennyson) Bel, Geraldine (Rev Arie) Vanden Berg, Gerry (Louis) Dykstra, and Patricia (Francis) Ryan; brothers-in-law, Dr Leonard C. Jr.(Doris), James(Arliene), and Henry (Mary)Vander Linde : Marlow's son Warren Pranger and son in laws Doug DeJonge and Larry Brinks.

A Funeral Service will be held on May 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Raybrook Manor Chapel (2121 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546). The family will greet visitors an hour before the service.

The family invites you to refreshments after the service. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery East.

- Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation (2400 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506).