Robert Allen VanderPloeg M.D., 89, of Ada, Michigan passed away peacefully Monday, January 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 till the end. 

Robert, son of William and Pearl (Wesselink) VanderPloeg, was born on a farm near Carmel, Iowa on December 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, Iowa. 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, Michigan 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 3 children and moved their growing family out to the country. What began as a hobby for the couple lead to quite a substantial farming operation in the Ada area. During this time this 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, enjoyed 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 Country 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 VanderPloeg, sister Henrietta and husband Ray Bulthuis, brother in-law Peter Pott and in-laws Catherine (Westerman) and husband William Hengeveld. 

Robert is survived and will be dearly missed by his children William (Laurie) VanderPloeg of Ada, MI, Kristin (Gregory) Hetzer of San Pedro, CA, Jan (Robert) Kent of Hermann, MO, Susan Hudson of Colorado Springs, CO, Robert (Delores) VanderPloeg of Ada, MI and Benjamin VanderPloeg of Grand Rapids, MI, 26 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, sister Thelma Pott of Sheldon, IA, brother Chasper (Cia) VanderPloeg of Sheldon, IA, sister in-laws Gertie VanderPloeg, Wilma (Jake) Brouwer, Jayne (Loren) Bitner and brother in-law Harvey (Marjean) Westerman, and many nieces and nephews, countless friends, former patients and his dog Roger. 

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Bob, Jan, Quynn, Sadie, Clark Kent and great grandson Layton, who gave so much daily.  And tremendous gratitude to the Hermann Hospital staff for their support and care.  Also special thanks to Gloria Erickson, Deb Spruit, Mary Hanson, Bob and Joan Hendrickson and Adrian Vander Stoep and their endless support, love, and friendship. 

There will be a service on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. The visitation at 11:0 a.m. and the service to follow at 1:00 p.m.

 Service Information