In memory of
John Vander Ploeg
1918-2009
| In memory of John Vander Ploeg 1918-2009 |
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 John William Vander Ploeg went home to be with his Lord and
Savior on Saturday, November 7, while residing at Raybrook Manor. He
was born
on September 13, 1918, in Arlene, MI to Jelde and Dora Vander Ploeg. In
addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 65
years,
Lois Jean Van Zoeren, his son-in-law, Douglas Grevengoed, his brothers,
Cornelius, Sidney, Fred, and Walter, and his sister, Jeanette Crandall.
John
grew up in Grand Rapids, graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High
School in
1937 and married Lois in 1941. A veteran of World War II, he served in
the U.S.
Navy from 1943-1946 in California and the South Pacific. Upon his
return, he
was employed by Vander Sys and Company, a carpeting business in
downtown Grand
Rapids. In 1958, he purchased the business with a partner and later
became the
sole owner until his retirement in 1976. Through the years, he was a
very
active member of Grace Reformed Church, Plymouth Heights Christian
Reformed
Church, where he served numerous terms on the council, and Calvary
Church.
John's strong faith and commitment to the Lord were an inspiration and
example
to his family, his employees, and to everyone who knew him. He was
respected
for his integrity, his strength of character, and his work ethic. John
loved
fishing and found many opportunities to enjoy this hobby with family
and
friends. The presence of his grandchildren and great grandchildren
always
brought a twinkle to his eye. John is survived by his four children and
their
spouses, Joyce (Douglas) Jeltema of Kalamazoo, Marilyn (Tom) Scholtens,
John
Jr. (Barb) Vander Ploeg, and Tom (Jena) Vander Ploeg, all of Grand
Rapids;
seven grandchildren, David (Roberta) Jeltema, Matthew (Ellen) Jeltema,
Mark
(Julie) Grevengoed, Karen (Paul) Dudley, Cheri (Craig) Stein, Brenda
(Joel)
Swanson, and John Vander Ploeg III; nine great grandchildren;
sister-in-law,
Grada Vander Ploeg; and many nieces and nephews. The family will greet
relatives and friends Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on
Wednesday from
10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral chapel. His
grandson, U.S.
Navy Chaplain David Jeltema will officiate at a service to celebrate
his life
at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel. Interment will
take place
in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank the
third floor
nursing staff at Raybrook Manor for their loving care. Memorial
contributions
may be made to the Patient Assistance Fund of Holland Home.
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| Lot location – Nativity 282 C #3 |