Michael Ray Vander Linden

Michael Ray Vander Linden died on Monday, September 25, 2023, after unexpectedly experiencing a cerebrovascular event. He peacefully passed away at the age of 75, with his son and daughter beside him, surrounded by loved ones.

Mike's journey began in the close-knit town of Moorhead, Minnesota. Education was a cornerstone of Mike's life, as he graduated from Saint John’s Preparatory School in 1965 and Saint John’s University in 1969 in Collegeville, Minnesota. Following his academic achievements, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Rising to the rank of Captain, Mike served as a dedicated Missile Launch Officer for Titan II, stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. His commendable service earned him various accolades culminating in an honorable discharge on July 19, 1971. Throughout his years of service, Mike continued to pursue knowledge, earning two additional degrees: an MBA from the University of Utah in 1973 and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1974.

It was during his time in Little Rock that Mike found his dearest lifelong love and soulmate, Dorothy. They united in marriage on November 6, 1971. Their enduring love story continued until Dorothy's passing on December 18, 2020, after her battle with cancer. Mike and Dorothy started their family in 1973, welcoming their daughter, Suzanne, and son, Mark. Mike also loved spending quality time with his family at the lake where he delighted in cooking his "World-Famous Dutch Baby" for breakfast and chocolate chip cookies for everyone to enjoy. Mike had a wanderlust for travel and recently returned from trips with Suzanne to Australia and Canada, revisiting spots he cherished over the years with Dorothy.

In 1978, Frito Lay brought Mike to Dallas, where he would further develop his remarkable skills in computer programming and business. At this juncture, he started Systemware in 1981 alongside co-founders Dan Basso and Allen Curl. He was a humble genius, soft-spoken yet witty. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike was an avid baseball enthusiast, particularly passionate about the Texas Rangers. He was a season-ticket holder for over two decades, and rarely missed a home game.

The overwhelming outpouring of love and sympathy from those who knew Mike is deeply appreciated by his family. Mike was an incredible person who treasured his family and friends, and they, in turn, treasured him as a blessing in their lives. Mike will be well-remembered with great fondness by those whose lives he touched and inspired.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Suzanne; son Mark and wife Kelly; grandchildren Jacob and Nicholas; brother David VanderLinden and wife April of St. Cloud, Minnesota, their children; and sister Kathy and husband Lyle Lamoureux, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, and their son, wife, and grandchildren. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Merlin “Van” and Adele VanderLinden.

The family is so grateful for the skilled, compassionate staff at Texas Health Plano Hospital in Plano, Texas.

Services are scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Mike will be interred with his wife Dorothy at the Good Shepherd Meditation Garden and Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any honorariums be made to the American Cancer Society or Saint John’s Preparatory School, Collegeville, Minnesota.