Linda Lou (Freestone) Schaftenaar, 77, of Holland, Michigan passed away on May 16, 2026.
Linda was born in 1949 to Marvin and Marjorie Freestone and resided in Holland, Michigan throughout her life. She attended Holland Public Schools before marrying her beloved husband Richard (Dick) Schaftenaar in 1967 and raising their daughter, Tonya.
Linda pursued a variety of professions over the years. She worked alongside her father-in-law at his medical practice, managed several local restaurants, including The Hatch, Calypso’s and Mr. Steak, and later served as a parapro in food management and the events coordinator at the Ottawa Area Career Line Technical Center. After retiring, Linda remained active in the Holland community by volunteering at the Warm Friend and the Community Action House Secondhand Store. She also organized golf tournaments benefiting veterans and active-duty military in memory of her brother, Scott, who gave his life serving our nation in Vietnam.
Since high school, Linda and Dick shared a close bond with a cherished group of lifelong friends: Dick & Jean Schmidt, Mark & Paula Nieuwsma, Rich & Cindy Arenas, and Tim & Linda Kragt. Through the decades, this group stood alongside one another as they got married, raised their children, traveled together, and lovingly embraced their roles as grandparents to the next generation.
Linda was famous for her homemade banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, which accompanied her wherever she went, as well as for her handmade gifts and beautiful cards. For many years, she proudly held the title of “costume lady,” building an impressive collection of costumes for her friends, family and neighbors to enjoy. She was also an active member at Christ Memorial Church for many decades.
Above all, Linda cherished being a mother and grandmother. She devoted herself to ensuring her daughter and grandchildren felt deeply and unconditionally loved, sending “just because” cards and gifts, sharing many meals and holidays, playing card and board games, and faithfully attending every recital, game, and performance. Her joy in spending time with her family was unmatched, and she will be remembered for her unending love and commitment to her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Marjorie Freestone; her brother Spencer Scott Freestone; her parents-in-law Dr. Richard and Julia Schaftenaar; her brother-in-law Doug Knapp; and her sister-in-law Jane Walton.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Schaftenaar; her daughter, Tonya (Art) Tolsma; her grandchildren, Nola (David) Julian, Areal (Jonathan) Vanden Akker, Avery Tolsma, and Megan Tolsma; her siblings, Nola Freestone (Bob Levitan), Ken (Lorma) Freestone, and Mike (Deanne) Freestone; her sisters-in-law Margie Knapp and Becky (Rick) VanEenenaam; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Quincy Place Senior Living in Holland for their compassion and love shown to Linda in her final months.
Visitation will be 6-8 pm Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home: 315 East 16th Street, Holland. The funeral service honoring Linda will take place at 11 am Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Calvary on 8th, 995 East 8th Street, Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. www.langelandsterenberg.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to:
Fisher House Foundation https://fisherhouse.org/
12300 Twinbrook Parkway Suite 410
Rockville MD 20852
Or
Emmanuel Hospice https://emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com/
401 Hall Street SW Suite 263
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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