Basil Van Linder

Basil R. Van Linder, age 90, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 7, 2017 at his home. Basil was born March 3, 1926 in Plainwell, MI the son of the late Clinton and Pearl (Granger) Van Linder. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in Guam, Iwo Jima, and China. He was a watchmaker and worked for several decades with Kalamazoo Manufacturing. Basil enjoyed playing the banjo; was an avid golfer; and was a devoted and extraordinary husband and father. He studied Spanish and taught himself how to speak the language. On July 21, 1951 he was united in marriage to his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy Graham, who preceded him in death on February 1, 2016. He was also preceded in death by a grand-daughter, Jaime; brother, Ronald; and sister, Charlotte. He is survived by his children, Howard (Janice) Holcomb, Sharon (Larry) Sincler, Karen (Peteris) Berzins, Marcia (Howard) Snyder; 6 grandchildren, Heather, Matt, Jesse, Miranda, Emilia, and Jakob; and several great-grandchildren. There will be no visitation and a graveside service will be held at a later date at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street.