Edwin J. Vander Vander Ploeg

Edwin J. Vander Ploeg left this life on June 29, 2014 due to complications arising from accidental injuries. Ed (a.k.a. "Eddie" and "Van") was born in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago on July 28, 1932 and always enjoyed returning to the city of his youth. He lived his adult life in the Grand Rapids area where he and his wife of 54 years, Maxine, raised their four sons. Ed served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and saw the world as he traveled to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia aboard the U.S.S. O'Bannon. He later served for over 20 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve from which he retired as Chief Petty Officer. Persistence is one of the traits he taught his sons. Ed worked with his hands and mind as an electronics technician for Lear Siegler/Smith's Industries. When he retired with 52 years of service, he was the longest tenured company employee. When it came to electronics, Ed could fix just about anything. He spent many years as member of LSi Credit Union's Credit Committee. Ed also was proud to have been licensed as an amateur radio operator for over 65 years (W8DDU).

Ed has joined many family members in God's heavenly grace, peace and joy including his son, Steve; parents, Peter and Theresa Vander Ploeg; and in-laws, John and Roselyn Vander Baan. Those who mourn his loss and will miss him include his wife, Maxine; his sons and daughters-in-law Ed & Beth, Gina, Jim & Karol and Dave & Becky; and the loves of his life grandchildren Kristen, Michelle, Jacob, Mark, Kevin, Nick, Eric, Kimberly, Laura and Emily. He also leaves his sister, Joy Swets; brother Bob and sister-in-law Janet; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Elaine Vander Baan along with numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Family will greet visitors at Cook Funeral Home, 4235 Prairie Street SW, Grandville (West Building) on Wednesday, July 2 from 6-9 p.m. Ed's funeral and celebration of life will occur at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 4150 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood on Thursday, July 3. The family will greet visitors one hour before the 11 a.m. service followed by a luncheon at the church and burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 4100 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the John Knox Food Pantry or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation July 02, 2014 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cook Funeral Home-Grandville (West Building) 4235 Prairie Street S.W. Grandville, MI

Visitation July 03, 2014 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM John Knox Presbyterian Church 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. S.E. Kentwood, MI

Celebration of Life July 03, 2014 11:00 PM John Knox Presbyterian Church 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. S.E. Kentwood, MI