Herbert Lee Vander Ploeg was born October 11, 1913 in Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan. He was the youngest child of Bert Vander Ploeg and Johannah Ten Cate. He attended the local public schools in Holland, Michigan and attended Sixth Reformed Church with his family. Herbert had a happy childhood. His parents instilled in him morals and the importance of hard work. His parents were the founders and proprieters of the Shady Lawn Florists. Herb and his siblings all worked at the flower shop in some capacity. One tragic event that the Vander Ploeg family had to endure was the loss of Johannah, their mother. She was only 56 when she was stricken unexpectedly with a heart attack. As hard as that was, Herbert pushed forward. He eventually graduated from Hope College and attended Calvin College, West Michigan University, Michigan State University and The University of Michigan.
Herb met Geneva Marie Cook at a Valentine's Party during his college days and they were married by Reverend Lambertus VanLaar on October 11, (also Herbert's Birthday) 1937. They were blessed by the birth of six children: Marcia, Herbert, Jr., Rose Ann, Amber, Philip and JoAn, of which Rose Ann was stillborn.
Until 1941, Herbert worked in the family greenhouse business. From 1941 to 1948 he was employed as a chemist and chief metallurgist for the Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Holland, Michigan. When the factory closed, he changed his profession and became teaching principal at Lakewood School and later at Waukazoo school as well. He was in the teaching and administrative profession until his retirement in 1979. My grandfather was always an entrepreneur. In addition to his teaching job, he would also have another little business venture going at the same time. For a long time, he sold tombstones out of the front porch of his house which was in close proximity to Pilgrim Home Cemetery. He also prepared income tax returns every year from that same enclosed front porch.
Grandpa dabbled in art. He painted several pictures. His mother thought he was going to be an artist. He also enjoyed music. He played around on the violin, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and piano. All of his children learned to play an instrument and most of his grandchildren learned how to play instruments and have an appreciation for music.
The children of Herbert and Geneva Vander Ploeg all married and had children of their own. As of the date of this writing, Herbert and Geneva were blessed with eighteen grandchildren (one died as an infant) and 15 great grandchildren.
As a grandchild of Herbert Vander Ploeg, I have many fond memories of visiting my grandparents. When I was little and just learning to be a big bad kindergartener, I remember telling my Grandpa that I learned my ABC's. He told me "I bet that I could say my ABC's backwards faster than you can say them FORWARD." I didn't believe him and I lost the challenge. I remember being so impressed. The next year, when we visited Michigan I had to show him that I could say my alphabet backwards too. (I still can!)
My grandparents always lived on the corner of 16th street and Lincoln Ave in the big two story cement house. In my heart, that will always be their home regardless of who owns it. They lived there most of the time, but grandpa and grandma also had a cottage on Edgewood Beach. We would visit them there in the summer months. Grandpa would always have up the badminton net and we would often get a game going. Grandpa would play too. He liked to have fun. Many years around the fourth of July my grandparents would have a reunion at the cottage. Not only would the kids come, his brothers and sisters, and cousins would come. There were many times where there were easily more than 50 people there. ( and only one bathroom!!) It was great times and I now wish that I would have listened closer to the old family stories! Grandpa always loved a good "wing ding!"
Another fond memory I have is getting up on Sunday morning to go to church. Grandpa would wake up singing at the top of his lungs sometimes he would even put on a record. We would all have a little breakfast and get dressed. To borrow a line from my younger brother, it was like going to church with the Royal family. Grandma and Grandpa would be dressed "to the nines". I remember being a kid and being scooted to the front of the church to hear the childrens sermon when it was time... During the "grown-up" sermon, grandma always kept us kids quiet by passing out mints and candy!
One of my last memories of Grandpa is that he made the trip from Michigan to Texas to attend my wedding. Being that my dad was in the military and moved around a lot while I was growing up, my grandparents weren't always able to come to special events like graduations and such. I was so elated when I heard that he and Grandma were coming. My wedding day is one of the happiest days of my life and it just meant that much more to me that Grandpa was there to share in it with me.
We lost Grandpa at the age of 86 on July 1, 2000. Since that time, I have visited Michigan several times. The house on Lincoln has been sold since then...I have visited the cottage and no longer see that badminton net. It is a different world than when he was alive. Grandpa, we love you and think of you often. Godspeed, until we meet again! Love ya,
I have added the image of my grandfathers obituary to the pictures section. To view, click the link to the right to view all of the pictures. Click on the individual pictures to see the captions.
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From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank "May the Lord bless and keep you always ...Sandy" for sponsoring my grandfathers memorial. It means more to me than you will ever know. If you get a chance, click on the sponsor link at the bottom of this page and leave flowers in her "My Nearest and Dearest" section. May the LORD shower you with HIS love and blessings always.
**********************************************************
Special thanks to genealogymaster 1 for taking the picture of my Grandpa's headstone. It is truly appreciated.
**********************************************************
Herb met Geneva Marie Cook at a Valentine's Party during his college days and they were married by Reverend Lambertus VanLaar on October 11, (also Herbert's Birthday) 1937. They were blessed by the birth of six children: Marcia, Herbert, Jr., Rose Ann, Amber, Philip and JoAn, of which Rose Ann was stillborn.
Until 1941, Herbert worked in the family greenhouse business. From 1941 to 1948 he was employed as a chemist and chief metallurgist for the Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Holland, Michigan. When the factory closed, he changed his profession and became teaching principal at Lakewood School and later at Waukazoo school as well. He was in the teaching and administrative profession until his retirement in 1979. My grandfather was always an entrepreneur. In addition to his teaching job, he would also have another little business venture going at the same time. For a long time, he sold tombstones out of the front porch of his house which was in close proximity to Pilgrim Home Cemetery. He also prepared income tax returns every year from that same enclosed front porch.
Grandpa dabbled in art. He painted several pictures. His mother thought he was going to be an artist. He also enjoyed music. He played around on the violin, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and piano. All of his children learned to play an instrument and most of his grandchildren learned how to play instruments and have an appreciation for music.
The children of Herbert and Geneva Vander Ploeg all married and had children of their own. As of the date of this writing, Herbert and Geneva were blessed with eighteen grandchildren (one died as an infant) and 15 great grandchildren.
As a grandchild of Herbert Vander Ploeg, I have many fond memories of visiting my grandparents. When I was little and just learning to be a big bad kindergartener, I remember telling my Grandpa that I learned my ABC's. He told me "I bet that I could say my ABC's backwards faster than you can say them FORWARD." I didn't believe him and I lost the challenge. I remember being so impressed. The next year, when we visited Michigan I had to show him that I could say my alphabet backwards too. (I still can!)
My grandparents always lived on the corner of 16th street and Lincoln Ave in the big two story cement house. In my heart, that will always be their home regardless of who owns it. They lived there most of the time, but grandpa and grandma also had a cottage on Edgewood Beach. We would visit them there in the summer months. Grandpa would always have up the badminton net and we would often get a game going. Grandpa would play too. He liked to have fun. Many years around the fourth of July my grandparents would have a reunion at the cottage. Not only would the kids come, his brothers and sisters, and cousins would come. There were many times where there were easily more than 50 people there. ( and only one bathroom!!) It was great times and I now wish that I would have listened closer to the old family stories! Grandpa always loved a good "wing ding!"
Another fond memory I have is getting up on Sunday morning to go to church. Grandpa would wake up singing at the top of his lungs sometimes he would even put on a record. We would all have a little breakfast and get dressed. To borrow a line from my younger brother, it was like going to church with the Royal family. Grandma and Grandpa would be dressed "to the nines". I remember being a kid and being scooted to the front of the church to hear the childrens sermon when it was time... During the "grown-up" sermon, grandma always kept us kids quiet by passing out mints and candy!
One of my last memories of Grandpa is that he made the trip from Michigan to Texas to attend my wedding. Being that my dad was in the military and moved around a lot while I was growing up, my grandparents weren't always able to come to special events like graduations and such. I was so elated when I heard that he and Grandma were coming. My wedding day is one of the happiest days of my life and it just meant that much more to me that Grandpa was there to share in it with me.
We lost Grandpa at the age of 86 on July 1, 2000. Since that time, I have visited Michigan several times. The house on Lincoln has been sold since then...I have visited the cottage and no longer see that badminton net. It is a different world than when he was alive. Grandpa, we love you and think of you often. Godspeed, until we meet again! Love ya,
I have added the image of my grandfathers obituary to the pictures section. To view, click the link to the right to view all of the pictures. Click on the individual pictures to see the captions.
**********************************************************
From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank "May the Lord bless and keep you always ...Sandy" for sponsoring my grandfathers memorial. It means more to me than you will ever know. If you get a chance, click on the sponsor link at the bottom of this page and leave flowers in her "My Nearest and Dearest" section. May the LORD shower you with HIS love and blessings always.
**********************************************************
Special thanks to genealogymaster 1 for taking the picture of my Grandpa's headstone. It is truly appreciated.
**********************************************************
Herbert Lee Vander Ploeg was born October 11, 1913 in Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan. He was the youngest child of Bert Vander Ploeg and Johannah Ten Cate. He attended the local public schools in Holland, Michigan and attended Sixth Reformed Church with his family. Herbert had a happy childhood. His parents instilled in him morals and the importance of hard work. His parents were the founders and proprieters of the Shady Lawn Florists. Herb and his siblings all worked at the flower shop in some capacity. One tragic event that the Vander Ploeg family had to endure was the loss of Johannah, their mother. She was only 56 when she was stricken unexpectedly with a heart attack. As hard as that was, Herbert pushed forward. He eventually graduated from Hope College and attended Calvin College, West Michigan University, Michigan State University and The University of Michigan.
Herb met Geneva Marie Cook at a Valentine's Party during his college days and they were married by Reverend Lambertus VanLaar on October 11, (also Herbert's Birthday) 1937. They were blessed by the birth of six children: Marcia, Herbert, Jr., Rose Ann, Amber, Philip and JoAn, of which Rose Ann was stillborn.
Until 1941, Herbert worked in the family greenhouse business. From 1941 to 1948 he was employed as a chemist and chief metallurgist for the Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Holland, Michigan. When the factory closed, he changed his profession and became teaching principal at Lakewood School and later at Waukazoo school as well. He was in the teaching and administrative profession until his retirement in 1979. My grandfather was always an entrepreneur. In addition to his teaching job, he would also have another little business venture going at the same time. For a long time, he sold tombstones out of the front porch of his house which was in close proximity to Pilgrim Home Cemetery. He also prepared income tax returns every year from that same enclosed front porch.
Grandpa dabbled in art. He painted several pictures. His mother thought he was going to be an artist. He also enjoyed music. He played around on the violin, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and piano. All of his children learned to play an instrument and most of his grandchildren learned how to play instruments and have an appreciation for music.
The children of Herbert and Geneva Vander Ploeg all married and had children of their own. As of the date of this writing, Herbert and Geneva were blessed with eighteen grandchildren (one died as an infant) and 15 great grandchildren.
As a grandchild of Herbert Vander Ploeg, I have many fond memories of visiting my grandparents. When I was little and just learning to be a big bad kindergartener, I remember telling my Grandpa that I learned my ABC's. He told me "I bet that I could say my ABC's backwards faster than you can say them FORWARD." I didn't believe him and I lost the challenge. I remember being so impressed. The next year, when we visited Michigan I had to show him that I could say my alphabet backwards too. (I still can!)
My grandparents always lived on the corner of 16th street and Lincoln Ave in the big two story cement house. In my heart, that will always be their home regardless of who owns it. They lived there most of the time, but grandpa and grandma also had a cottage on Edgewood Beach. We would visit them there in the summer months. Grandpa would always have up the badminton net and we would often get a game going. Grandpa would play too. He liked to have fun. Many years around the fourth of July my grandparents would have a reunion at the cottage. Not only would the kids come, his brothers and sisters, and cousins would come. There were many times where there were easily more than 50 people there. ( and only one bathroom!!) It was great times and I now wish that I would have listened closer to the old family stories! Grandpa always loved a good "wing ding!"
Another fond memory I have is getting up on Sunday morning to go to church. Grandpa would wake up singing at the top of his lungs sometimes he would even put on a record. We would all have a little breakfast and get dressed. To borrow a line from my younger brother, it was like going to church with the Royal family. Grandma and Grandpa would be dressed "to the nines". I remember being a kid and being scooted to the front of the church to hear the childrens sermon when it was time... During the "grown-up" sermon, grandma always kept us kids quiet by passing out mints and candy!
One of my last memories of Grandpa is that he made the trip from Michigan to Texas to attend my wedding. Being that my dad was in the military and moved around a lot while I was growing up, my grandparents weren't always able to come to special events like graduations and such. I was so elated when I heard that he and Grandma were coming. My wedding day is one of the happiest days of my life and it just meant that much more to me that Grandpa was there to share in it with me.
We lost Grandpa at the age of 86 on July 1, 2000. Since that time, I have visited Michigan several times. The house on Lincoln has been sold since then...I have visited the cottage and no longer see that badminton net. It is a different world than when he was alive. Grandpa, we love you and think of you often. Godspeed, until we meet again! Love ya,
I have added the image of my grandfathers obituary to the pictures section. To view, click the link to the right to view all of the pictures. Click on the individual pictures to see the captions.
**********************************************************
From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank "May the Lord bless and keep you always ...Sandy" for sponsoring my grandfathers memorial. It means more to me than you will ever know. If you get a chance, click on the sponsor link at the bottom of this page and leave flowers in her "My Nearest and Dearest" section. May the LORD shower you with HIS love and blessings always.
**********************************************************
Special thanks to genealogymaster 1 for taking the picture of my Grandpa's headstone. It is truly appreciated.
**********************************************************
Herb met Geneva Marie Cook at a Valentine's Party during his college days and they were married by Reverend Lambertus VanLaar on October 11, (also Herbert's Birthday) 1937. They were blessed by the birth of six children: Marcia, Herbert, Jr., Rose Ann, Amber, Philip and JoAn, of which Rose Ann was stillborn.
Until 1941, Herbert worked in the family greenhouse business. From 1941 to 1948 he was employed as a chemist and chief metallurgist for the Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Holland, Michigan. When the factory closed, he changed his profession and became teaching principal at Lakewood School and later at Waukazoo school as well. He was in the teaching and administrative profession until his retirement in 1979. My grandfather was always an entrepreneur. In addition to his teaching job, he would also have another little business venture going at the same time. For a long time, he sold tombstones out of the front porch of his house which was in close proximity to Pilgrim Home Cemetery. He also prepared income tax returns every year from that same enclosed front porch.
Grandpa dabbled in art. He painted several pictures. His mother thought he was going to be an artist. He also enjoyed music. He played around on the violin, mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and piano. All of his children learned to play an instrument and most of his grandchildren learned how to play instruments and have an appreciation for music.
The children of Herbert and Geneva Vander Ploeg all married and had children of their own. As of the date of this writing, Herbert and Geneva were blessed with eighteen grandchildren (one died as an infant) and 15 great grandchildren.
As a grandchild of Herbert Vander Ploeg, I have many fond memories of visiting my grandparents. When I was little and just learning to be a big bad kindergartener, I remember telling my Grandpa that I learned my ABC's. He told me "I bet that I could say my ABC's backwards faster than you can say them FORWARD." I didn't believe him and I lost the challenge. I remember being so impressed. The next year, when we visited Michigan I had to show him that I could say my alphabet backwards too. (I still can!)
My grandparents always lived on the corner of 16th street and Lincoln Ave in the big two story cement house. In my heart, that will always be their home regardless of who owns it. They lived there most of the time, but grandpa and grandma also had a cottage on Edgewood Beach. We would visit them there in the summer months. Grandpa would always have up the badminton net and we would often get a game going. Grandpa would play too. He liked to have fun. Many years around the fourth of July my grandparents would have a reunion at the cottage. Not only would the kids come, his brothers and sisters, and cousins would come. There were many times where there were easily more than 50 people there. ( and only one bathroom!!) It was great times and I now wish that I would have listened closer to the old family stories! Grandpa always loved a good "wing ding!"
Another fond memory I have is getting up on Sunday morning to go to church. Grandpa would wake up singing at the top of his lungs sometimes he would even put on a record. We would all have a little breakfast and get dressed. To borrow a line from my younger brother, it was like going to church with the Royal family. Grandma and Grandpa would be dressed "to the nines". I remember being a kid and being scooted to the front of the church to hear the childrens sermon when it was time... During the "grown-up" sermon, grandma always kept us kids quiet by passing out mints and candy!
One of my last memories of Grandpa is that he made the trip from Michigan to Texas to attend my wedding. Being that my dad was in the military and moved around a lot while I was growing up, my grandparents weren't always able to come to special events like graduations and such. I was so elated when I heard that he and Grandma were coming. My wedding day is one of the happiest days of my life and it just meant that much more to me that Grandpa was there to share in it with me.
We lost Grandpa at the age of 86 on July 1, 2000. Since that time, I have visited Michigan several times. The house on Lincoln has been sold since then...I have visited the cottage and no longer see that badminton net. It is a different world than when he was alive. Grandpa, we love you and think of you often. Godspeed, until we meet again! Love ya,
I have added the image of my grandfathers obituary to the pictures section. To view, click the link to the right to view all of the pictures. Click on the individual pictures to see the captions.
**********************************************************
From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank "May the Lord bless and keep you always ...Sandy" for sponsoring my grandfathers memorial. It means more to me than you will ever know. If you get a chance, click on the sponsor link at the bottom of this page and leave flowers in her "My Nearest and Dearest" section. May the LORD shower you with HIS love and blessings always.
**********************************************************
Special thanks to genealogymaster 1 for taking the picture of my Grandpa's headstone. It is truly appreciated.
**********************************************************
