On October 22 ^nd , 1965 Douglas (Doug AKA Doug the Slug, Dougie Fresh, Coach V) Edward Vander Linden was born to Gary and Madeline Faye (Thullesen) Vander Linden in Joplin, Missouri. The oldest of four kids, Doug was a natural leader that led his siblings through the good times, and the ornery times.

Growing up, Doug lived in multiple cities along the Missouri/Kansas border. He always talked of memories going out to work on his grandpa's farm with his grandpa. Eventually, the Vander Linden family settled down in Coffeyville, KS, where Doug attended Field Kinley High School.  He was an exceptional debater, president of the student council, and ironically enough, a wizard on the basketball court. In May of 1983, Doug took his talents just a few streets over to Coffeyville Community College, where he continued his basketball and student council career.

Life was about to take a big turn for Doug, as he met the love of his life in Michelle Conway in October of 1983. The way he would tell it, she simply caught his eye. A beautiful relationship blossomed, and Doug and Michelle were married June 29 ^th of 1985. Life moved quickly afterwards, as the couple moved to Emporia for college.

During this time period, the couple had two beautiful children: Matthew Gerald and Jessica Marie. Doug graduated from Emporia State University in May of 1988 with his Bachelor's Degree. He began working at Columbia Savings in Emporia, KS. However, two close friends in Kathy Freeman and Terri Martin, convinced Doug to take a technology teaching position at the Burlington School District.

Fast forward 31 years later in the town of Burlington, Doug built a legacy. This included two more children, Michael Douglas and Nathan Edward. He became the technology director of Burlington School District in the height of the internet boom. His greatest professional accomplishment was leading a team to build an entire fiber-optic network for the Coffey County area, including schools, libraries, and hospitals. A feat that no small town often dreams of… but Doug was a dreamer.

Doug accomplished many more of these tasks with this mindset. After being asked to coach a new sport, wrestling, Doug took on the venture in stride. He enlisted the help of many mentors and soon-to-be friends to help him resurrect a dying wrestling program. Over the years, Doug's love and passion grew for the sport and the kids in it. An everlasting impact would be spearheading the building of a Burlington High School Wrestling Room, one of the nicest high school rooms in the state. He was heavily involved in numerous wrestling organizations, and accomplished records to become one of the most successful coaches in the state.

Doug was instrumental in creating networks and buildings, but his impact was made in creating relationships with those around him. His positive attitude made those feel comfortable in his presence. His high expectations helped students set and achieve goals they never thought possible. He was a man of faith and a role model to so many through a vast amount of school activities, rec center teams, kids club wrestling, and more. In the words from a Facebook memory, "it seemed like he was the dad to the whole town."

After multiple years of battling with stage four cancer and other illnesses, Doug finished his fight on August 9 ^th at 9:21 pm in the arms of lifelong love and partner, surrounded by his closest families and friends.

Doug is survived by his wife, Michelle, of the home, three sons: Matthew with his wife, Jaymee, of Kansas City, Michael with his wife, Amanda, of Burlington, Nathan with his wife, Paige, of Topeka, a daughter: Jessica Jones with her husband, Scott, of Melvern, three grandchildren: Audrey, Brogan, and Kendall Jones, his father Gary and his wife Mary Vander Linden, two sisters: Dawn Clausing and family, Angie and Travis Morris and family, a brother: Adam and Alisha Vander Linden and family, and many other friends and family.

Services include the following: Sunday, August 14 ^th : 2:00-3:45 PM—Celebration of Life For Doug Vander Linden at Burlington High School with family speaking with friends in the wrestling room, Doug's Past Awards and Picture Slideshow viewed in the cafeteria, and Doug's classic wrestling highlight videos available to watch in the gymnasium. At 4 PM — people can gather in the gymnasium as selected guests will speak and celebrate the life of Doug Vander Linden. On Monday, August 15 ^th : a funeral mass will be at 11 am at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Burlington, KS.

Contributions can be made to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group or the Burlington Wrestling Foundation for a future scholarship to be offered in Doug's memory. Funds can be mailed to Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

Love to all… from that standpoint

Live stream for School and Church is available through this link: https://youtube.com/channel/ UCU-AGzV9EAoNX_gn1-HWG9w