Vander Ploeg, Robert, 1926-2016

VANDERPLOEG, WESSELINK, WESTERMAN

Posted By: Mary L Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/3/2017 at 20:01:43

Rovert Allen Vander Ploeg, M.D. 89, of Ada, MI passed away peacefully Monday Jan. 25, 2016 in Hermann, Missouri, surrounded by family.

He spent his final year with his daughter Jan's family, friends and the endearing community of Hermann/New Haven that warmly embraced him til the end.
Robert, son of William and Pearl (Wesselink) Vander Ploeg, was born on a farm near Carmel, IA on Dec 8, 1926. His family moved to Hospers, where as a young man he worked for the family furniture business and on area farms. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and served as a chaplain's assistant and supply sergeant in Europe. Not wanting to lose his $25 deposit made while enlisted, Robert attended Central College in Pella, IA. He married Henrietta, one of the Westerman triplets, on June 8, 1951 a mere week after graduation. The newlyweds lived in Army barracks in Iowa City, where he continued his education at the University of Iowa Medical School receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1955.
An internship brought Bob and Henrietta to Saginaw MI and then to Grand Rapids for a four year surgical residency that he completed at St. Mary's Hospital in 1960. By this time the couple had three children and moved their growing family out to the country. What began as a hobby for the couple led to quite a substantial farming operation in the Ada area. During this time the surgical practice blossomed as well with many years of service to his patients. "Doc" enjoyed the outdoors, working with his hands, growing cattle and corn, and raising a family of six kids. He was a brass player, lover of music and the fine arts, enjoying fine cuisine and just being "fantastic". Robert was a long time member of Central Reformed Church. After retirement Robert spent many winters in Palm Desert, CA. at Shadow Mountain Resort and Club. Robert had a quick wit, great sense of humor and was happiest when outdoors in a cowboy hat and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta; parents, William and Pearl; two brothers in infancy; his brother, Henry; sister Henrietta and husband Ray Bulthuis; brother in-law Peter Pott; and in-laws Catherine (Westerman) and husband William Heneveld.

Robert is survived and will be dearly missed by his children, William (Laurie) Vander Ploeg of Ada MI, Kristin (Gregory) Hetzer of San Pedro, CA., Jan (Robert) Kent of Hermann MO., Susan Hudson of Colorado Springs, CO; Robert (Delores) Vander Ploeg of Ada, MI, and Benjamin Vander Ploeg of Grand Rapids, MI; 26 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Thelma Pott of Sheldon, IA; brother Chasper (Cia) Vander Ploeg of Sheldon, sisters-in-law, Gertie Vander Ploeg, Wilma, (Jake) Brouwe and Jayne (Loren) Bitner; and brother-in-law Harvey (Marjean) Westerman; and many nieces and nephews, countless friends, former patients and his dog Roger.
There will be a service on Friday Feb. 5 at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. Arrangements under the direction of Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Service in Grand Rapids. MI.

Source: Northwest Iowa Review 1/30 2016