Linda Van Handel

Linda L. Van Handel, 75, of New London, passed away early Wednesday morning, September 24, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 8, 1939 in Palatine, IL to the late Henry and Henrietta Gehrke.

On January 31, 1959 she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Doucette, he preceded her in death on June 23, 1983. On September 19, 1987 she married Donald Van Handel, who preceded her in death on August 13, 2011.

Linda worked for many years at Pagel's Supermarket, where she formed a lifelong friendship with Bob and Shirley Pagel. She also worked at Bricks Supper Club where she often told the story of meeting Tennessee Ernie Ford. She continued on at Chilton Globe Manufacturing in Seymour until her retirement in 2001. Linda and Don enjoyed spending their retirement playing cribbage and camping in their travel trailer at Captain's Cove in Gresham, where they spent their days riding in their golf cart visiting their many friends.

Linda is survived by her four children: Deb (Mike) Lewis, Darlene (Jeff) McNichols, Jeff Doucette (special friend Joanie Wickesberg), Kevin (Stacy) Doucette; 10 grandchildren: Bradley (Jessica) Meulemans, Kristin (Robert) Lee, Stephanie (Nate) Raddant, Jessica (Cody) Scott, Sarah McNichols, Ryan (Kayla) McNichols, Scott Doucette, Jade, Addison and Maverick Doucette; and three great-grandchildren: Otto and Melia Lee, Peyton McNichols. She is further survived by her brothers: Vernon and Eugene Kramer; brother and sisters-in-law: Duane (Phyllis) Doucette, Mary Doucette and Alice Van Asten; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Diane Marie; sister, Henrietta and brother, Wally (Marge) Kramer.

Friends may call at the Muehl- Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour on Friday, September 26, 2014, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service 7:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Navarino on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10 a.m. with Deacon Don Coenen officiating. The celebration of Linda's life will continue at the River Rail in Shiocton following the graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

The family would like to extend special thanks to Steve Morack and Pat Witt for their devotion and friendship to Linda and also to Theda Care Hospice for their compassion and care.