Armin von der Linden, 87, of New Berlin passes away

Armin von der Linden of New Berlin passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, surrounded by his children, at the age of 87.

Armin was born to Rev. John and Ella (neeDraeger) von der Linden on Aug. 11, 1924 in Abelman. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was part of the Rhine crossing during World War II. Armin belonged to the VFW Post 5716 and took the Honor Flight in 2010. He owned successful businesses including Toy Castle in Deerfield, IL; the Fireside Inn in Algoma; and Von’s Furniture in Deerfield, IL, Algoma and Nashotah.

Armin enjoyed his time on the golf course but he was especially proud of his family. He loved the Lord and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in New Berlin (former member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartland).

Armin will be deeply missed by his children, Carol (Neal) Elliott of New Berlin, Sherry (Brent) Pitsch of Avondale, AZ and Al (Julie) von der Linden of Shawnee, KS; his eight grandchildren; his seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Irma Wenzel; and many other family and friends.

Armin was preceded in death by his wife, Laura of 61 years; 5 brothers; 1sister; and 1 great-grandson, Colten Pitsch.

A visitation for Armin will be from 11:00 am until the 2:00 pm funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188, with full military honors immediately following the service. Rev. Kenneth C. Rankin will be officiating. Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, Oct. 10, at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery in Union Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Armin to Peace Lutheran Church, 17651 W. Small Road, New Berlin, WI 53146 or to Honor Flight Inc., Attn: Diane Gresse, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, OH 45505 or www.honorflight.org.

Armin was blessed by God with a full life and he touched many lives with his kindness. His sense of humor, the sparkle in his eye and his infectious smile will be fondly remembered. Armin’s legacy will live on through all who knew him.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For an online obituary or to leave a message of condolence, pleasevisit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com, or call 262-542-6609.