Roger Hans Van der Linde

Roger was born Hans Dietmar Van der Linde on January 3, 1930 in Landsberg, Silesia, East Prussia (now Poland) as the second of five children of Gerry Van der Linde and Lucy Friedman, preceded in death before him.

Roger’s history is a tale of hard work, perseverance, and the fulfillment of the American dream. In 1939, Nazi forces seized control of Poland and Roger’s family changed forever. Surviving the war years in hiding, Roger provided for his family despite his young age.

After the war ended, Roger and his family immigrated to the United States. Roger joined the United States Army in 1949 and served through 1953. Attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant during the Korean War, he distinguished himself as both a humanitarian and a serviceman. Roger considered his military service a special time in his life, as he was able to return to Germany not as a German citizen but as an American soldier.

For thirty years he was an electrical engineer with Pacific Telephone and retired at 50 years old. After retirement he and his wife traveled throughout the United States and Europe, returning to Germany and the home of his childhood. Roger built a home in Mexico for 10 years and could be found most months fishing, lounging on the beach, and traveling through the countryside. In the remaining months, he enjoyed his home in Grants Pass, Oregon. Roger was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time on the Rogue River where he lived.

Roger was the beloved husband of Betty Van der Linde and a devoted father to Johanna Rosales, Corinne Johnson, Kurt Van der Linde, and Mona Nealy. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Roger is survived by his 4 siblings who also came with him to the United States in 1946.

Visitation was Monday, November 26, 2012, and Funeral service Tuesday, November 27, 2012, both at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California. Graveside service with Military Honors was at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California.

Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California. www.weaver-mortuary.com