John M. Vander Ploeg, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, generosity, and adventure.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1928, John attended Baxter Christian School, Grand Rapids Christian High, and Calvin College, where he earned a degree in mathematics and chemistry and played varsity baseball. It was there that he met and married Marie Scheeres shortly after graduating in 1949, and lovingly shared the next 69 years together.

John's work ethic began in his family's neighborhood grocery store, where he stocked shelves, made deliveries, and apprenticed as a butcher during World War II. When his father passed away unexpectedly during John's sophomore year of college, he and his mother operated the family business while he finished his degree. Ready to leave behind the long hours of the grocery business and put his degree to use, he accepted a position as a laboratory chemist with Udylite Corporation in Detroit. Returning to Grand Rapids, he advanced to Sales Manager for West Michigan. In 1979, he and Marie spent a year living in Japan while John worked with a Udylite joint venture, an experience that sparked lifelong memories and a love of travel. John and Marie enjoyed exploring the world together throughout their lives. Following his retirement in 1983, John became a Certified Financial Planner. Never one to slow down, he purchased a plating company with two partners in 1991, renaming it Controlled Plating Technologies, where he served as president until selling the company in 2000.

John approached life with energy, determination, and curiosity. He was steadfast and strong, frugal yet remarkably generous, opinionated yet open-minded, and always willing to take on a new challenge. Whether boating, skiing, golfing, playing tennis, or building in his woodworking shop, John embraced every opportunity to stay active. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter and spunk. He was always ready to volunteer his time, talents, and skills to family, friends, and neighbors. The Baxter Community Center, New 2 You, Calvin Church Family Assistance, and many other local non-profit organizations benefited from his expertise.

A charter member of Calvin Church, John faithfully served in countless leadership roles, committees, and building projects throughout his life. His Christian faith was the foundation that guided his decisions, his service to others, and the way he lived each day.

John was preceded in death by his dear wife, Marie Vander Ploeg (Scheeres). He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Marlene Vanderhill (Mark Vanderhill); his son, Brian Vander Ploeg (Jane Vander Ploeg); his granddaughters, Leah Schoonover (Ryan Schoonover) and Lydia Vanderhill (Ben Kelley); his great-granddaughters, AJ and Rosie Schoonover, and Mabel and Adeline Kelley; and all whose lives were enriched by his friendship, wit, and generous heart.

John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, mind for numbers, humor, and forthright personality. He approached life with confidence and a love of driving in the fast lane. His legacy of love, faith, hard work, generosity, and resilience lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, the businesses he built, and the many lives he touched during his impressive 98 years.

Please join John's family for a memorial service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Calvin Church (700 Ethel SE, Grand Rapids, 49506). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.

Please consider making a memorial donation in John's name to Calvin Church – Family Assistance Program.