Richard Van Gelder

Richard Earl Van Gelder, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly June 13, 2019, at Fort Smith Specialty Hospital, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Richard (Dick) Van Gelder was born April 8, 1949, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was baptized and confirmed at Central Lutheran Church, in Mondovi, Wisconsin. Richard attended Mondovi High School and graduated May 1967. Richard immediately entered the U.S. Navy for four years, including serving in Viet Nam for 18 months. He was honorably discharged and remained in Stockton, California over 20 years.
Richard married Linda Waters, in Stockton, California, and later they moved to Hot Springs.
Richard had a passion for horses, cooking and many talents, including carpentry. He loved cooking at the Jackson House in Hot Springs, providing meals for the homeless for several years
Richard is survived by his sister, Kristi (Lorn) Schultz of Mondovi, Wisconsin; stepson, Matt Waters of Belfair, Washington; cousin, Karen (Doug) Hulke, Mondovi, Wisconsin. He is further survived by many cousins in the states of Washington, Montana and Alaska..
Preceding him in death were his wife of 15 years, Linda Van Gelder of Hot Springs, Arkansas; parents, Earl and Esther Van Gelder, grandparents, Herman and Elizabeth Gunderson, all of Mondovi, Wisconsin; numerous aunts and uncles
Memorial services were held at First Lutheran Church, in Hot Springs, on June 22, with Pastor Jon Beyer officiating. The U.S. Navy Military Honor Guard was in attendance. He was buried in Kentucky with his wife, Linda.