Obituaries

Joan Stevens VanderPloeg passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012 . Born on Feb. 1, 1918, in Grand Rapids, Joan was the eldest child of Joseph and Anne Stevens. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. William H. VanderPloeg, in 1991. Joan leaves behind her five devoted children and sons-in-law, all of Grand Rapids: Mary (and Richard) Ortega, W. Stevens VanderPloeg, Kathryn (and Paul) LaGrand, Robert J. VanderPloeg, and Elizabeth (and William) Gritter. She also will be greatly missed by her precious grandchildren: Kathryn LaGrand (and Christopher) Nienhuis, Michael LaGrand, Sarah Joan LaGrand, Nathan VanderPloeg, Timothy VanderPloeg, Anne VanderPloeg, David (and Kathryn) Gritter, Jonathan Gritter, and Julie Gritter. Joan’s surviving siblings are: Miriam Loomis of East Lansing; Dr. Joseph C. Stevens of New Haven, Connecticut; Judy (and Robert) Hooker of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law Evelyn Stevens of Tucson, Arizona; and brother-in-law Clarence Wisse of Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her sister, Esther Stevens Wisse; her brother, Henry Stevens; and brother-in-law George W. Loomis, Sr. Joan was a brilliant classical pianist, already as a young girl. After attending Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Calvin College, she went on to study at the University of Michigan, where she earned her Master of Arts degree in piano performance. She was also a member of various music and honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa and Mu Phi Epsilon. While in Ann Arbor, Joan met the love of her life, William VanderPloeg, who was a student in the medical school. They eventually settled in Grand Rapids, where Bill was a beloved physician in the community, and where Joan was widely regarded for her musical talents. She performed publicly in the Grand Rapids area and taught piano at Calvin College. She also did much volunteer work over the years at church, schools, and music societies. Notwithstanding Joan’s devotion to the piano, however, her husband, children, and grandchildren were, without question, her top priority. She was gracious, fun, and loving, showing compassion and encouragement to all. Her family is eternally grateful that she passed along to them her love for life, beauty, music, and, above all, her Christian faith. A Memorial Service­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ will be held on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:00am at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church in downtown Grand Rapids, Rev. John Steigenga officiating. The service will be preceded by an hour of visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m. A luncheon at the church for all family and friends will immediately follow the service. Suggested memorial contributions may be made to LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church or Mel Trotter Ministries.