Obituaries

William Stevens Vanderploeg passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday afternoon, July 24, 2012, at his home in Grand Rapids. Steve was born in Washington, D.C., on January 10, 1948, the eldest son of Dr. William H. VanderPloeg, who died in 1991, and Joan Stevens VanderPloeg, who had just passed away three days before Steve’s death. Surviving Steve are his adored and beloved sons, Nathan Stevens Vanderploeg, currently of Washington, D.C., and Timothy William Vanderploeg, of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are his dear brother, Robert J. VanderPloeg, and devoted sisters, Mary Joan and Richard Ortega, Kathy and Paul LaGrand, and Betsy and William Gritter, all of Grand Rapids, along with his treasured nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many wonderful close friends. Steve attended Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Calvin College, then went on to study at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy, after which he taught Philosophy at Calvin College. Steve then attended the Law School at the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1981. He practiced law as a Partner at Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones in Grand Rapids, and in later years taught at various local colleges, including most recently Cooley Law School and Grand Valley State University. A long-time member at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Steve volunteered with the Kids Hope program at Congress School, and was a mentor to countless other young people in the community. Steve was loved by many people of all ages. He was intelligent, talented, friendly, passionate, compassionate, and steadfast in his devotion to his Lord and Savior. He was a lover and student of classical music, the arts, learning, and life, and he will be greatly missed by his loved ones and by all the people whose lives he so richly blessed. A Celebration of Steve’s life will be held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, July 28 at 11am, with visitation on Friday, July 27 from 2 - 4pm and 7 - 9pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE). Memorial Contributions may be made to LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church or to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.