Andrew Peter Vander Ploeg

Andrew was born September 18, 1941, to Peter and Marjorie Vander Ploeg on Chicago’s Northside. After graduating from Leo High School in 1959, Andrew went on to John Carroll University for two years, then graduated from Marquette University in 1963 with a degree in Finance. He later received his MBA from DePaul University in 1973 and earned his designation as a CPA.

During Andrew’s time at John Carroll and Marquette, he served in the Army’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), followed by five years of active duty, where he made Captain. The highlight of his time in service was being stationed in a small town about 20 miles outside of Munich, West Germany. While on duty, he was responsible for the missile air defense systems and aircraft identification, but on free days, he traveled through most of Europe. During this time, he met Monika Ostlinning and became the father of his daughter, Andrea (Gigi) Vander Ploeg.

As his time in the Army ended, Andrew returned to his love of Finance and decided to become a stock broker back in Chicago. By the end of 1967, he became registered after successfully passing the NYSE and NASD exams. Andrew worked for a few companies in Chicago before moving to Denver while working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He spent most of his career as an independent broker and built lifelong relationships with his friends in the business.

While at the SEC, he met Susan Keesen, to whom he was married for 44 years (October 6th, but we’re counting it anyway). In 1982, Andrew carried on a 200-year naming tradition when Peter Andrew Vander Ploeg was born. And in 1991, Andrew and Susan were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jamie. As a family, they shared a love of the outdoors, skiing, golf, travel, and time in Grand County, CO.

Andrew is survived by his daughters, Andrea and Jamie, and by his son, Peter, his daughter-in-law, Kira, his grandson, Andrew Peter (who carries on his name) and his grandson, Paul.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on October 11th at Olinger Chapel Hill on 6601 South Colorado Boulevard. A separate burial service for the family will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetary.

Instead of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you consider donating in Andrew’s memory by copying and pasting the following links.

Denver Christian Schools - https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form?svcid=renxt&formId=530a6054-8288-4d04-bf9d-c24fff85265d&envid=p-iN_0aY5mF0myEPSYqfvYdA&zone=usa

Regis Jesuit High School - www.regisjesuit.com/memorialgiving

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Vander Ploeg family.