On June 20, 2026, God called home Rita VanDerLinden, 84, of Krakow, formerly of De Pere. Rita was born in Armstrong Creek April 13, 1942 to the late John & Bernice (Deitzkow) Christnovich. Her parents moved the family to a farm in Argonne, where she was raised.

She graduated from Crandon High School, Langlade Teachers College and UW-Oshkosh.

On July 29, 1967 Rita married Edward VanDerLinden at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in De Pere. They remained on Ed’s family farm in De Pere and raised their children until 2021, at which time Rita’s health declined and she went to live with her daughter.

For the past 23 years she was a proud Mary Kay Consultant. She was never found without a book to pass on or some samples to give you. She loved to go out for lunch and coffee, where she would spread the word on Mary Kay. She made friends everywhere she went.

Rita taught for 32 years in the West De Pere School District, in Door County for 2 years and Vilas County for 2 years. Rita enjoyed working with children, taught CCD at St. Mary’s Church, De Pere, along with being a lifelong member of that church. She was also very involved with the 4-H Program. In high school, she was a forensics coach.

She was an outstanding cook and baker, always trying out new recipes and made many beautiful wedding cakes and birthday cakes for family and friends. We all enjoyed her leftover frosting and graham crackers. Her home was always welcoming, food was always ready to serve and if you left hungry it was your own fault.

Rita is survived by her children: Renee (Ron) Wozniak, of Krakow, Steven (Stacy) VanDerLinden, Athens and Jason VanDerLinden, Crivitz. Further survived by her greatest joy, her grandchildren, Michelle (Ryan) Hermus, Stephanie (Greg) White, Olivia VanDerLinden and Jacob VanDerLinden. Also, great grandchildren Jacob Hermus, Kate Hermus, McKenzie and McKayla White. Special friends Steve, Lora & Breanna Doherty.

She is further survived by her sisters, Carol Hendren, of Hartland and Anita (Ron) Kevilus of Argonne. Brother Tom (Jane Fishcher) Christnovich, De Pere. Sisters-in-law, Sheri Christnovich, Mary Patterson, and Pat VanDerLinden. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Ed, her parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Minnie VanDerLinden, Rita is preceded in death by her brother John Christnovich and his daughter Tamera Deavers, sister Mary Schroeder and brother-in-law George VanDerLinden.

Visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on June 30th, 2026, with a funeral service held at noon. Interment will be at 2:30 pm in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, Green Bay. Pallbearers will be Ken Binsfield, Greg White, Ron Wozniak Jr, Jacob Hermus and Tom Christnovich.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Hospice, Ashley (Nurse), Ashley (Social Worker), Nicole (Chaplain), Skyler (CNA), Morgan and all those who filled in to make Rita’s last days as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers, Rita would be honored for you to donate to Mary Kay Ash Foundation. Just mark the envelope accordingly.