Verna Vander Ploeg

When looking back on the life of Verna Vander Ploeg, it is easy to see her unyielding strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and she poured her heart and soul into all that she did. Nothing brought Verna more joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how brief or simple the moments. Her primary focus each and every day was building deep and personal relationships with those around her. Dearly loved, Verna and her memory will be forever cherished by all who knew her best.

The 1930s are remembered as some of the most tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the world. The Great Depression still cast a dark shadow over the country, and tensions surrounding WWII were quickly reaching a boiling point. During this trying time, however, there was a ray of light for August and Helen Roedema of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their first child. On October 6, 1937, Verna was born and welcomed into the world by her loving parents.

Growing up, Verna was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home on Garfield and Crosby alongside her younger brothers, Leroy, Wesley, and Jack. As a young girl, Verna enjoyed playing house with her brothers and playing jacks with her friends, Mary and Janet. Family was a very important part of her life from a young age. Verna’s grandparents lived nearby on Baxter Street, so she would often ride the bus over to their home. She loved going to her Grandma Anna Topp’s house for hot cocoa. Verna was also very close with her cousins. She got her first job working at the dime store across the street at the age of 12. Throughout her childhood, Verna attended local schools, including West Side Christian School. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, eager to see what the future held. Verna then began working at a bakery, where she met her dear lifelong friend, Joyce.

New and exciting changes were in store for Verna as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Jack Vander Ploeg, and the two first met when Jack happened to be walking past Verna’s house looking for a friend. They also attended the same school. Verna and Jack began having coffee together on Sundays. Their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Verna and Jack were married on October 27, 1955, just a few days after her 18th birthday. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon in Florida before settling down in their first apartment on McReynolds Street.

Of all the things Verna loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Jack were so happy to welcome their five children, Debra, Scott, Lyn, Todd, and Jack, into their hearts and home. They also became foster parents to many children over their 15 years of fostering. Verna thrived in her role as a mother. She strove to instill in her children the value of kindness and hard work. Verna and Jack inherited a beautiful house on Hall Street from their good friend, Guy Verlee, and she worked tirelessly to make the place their home. Later in life, she was also thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Verna found great joy and comfort in pulling her loved ones close, and she maintained many friendships throughout the course of her life. She considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many members.

Verna was willing to work hard to provide for herself and those who depended on her. For many years, she found jobs as a babysitter. Verna worked at Cook Coffee Company, and she was employed at Michigan Bulb for a time as well. After Michigan Bulb closed, she began cleaning houses. Verna also worked at Covenant Village for several years.

Verna was known to fill her life with meaningful pursuits and hobbies. Throughout her life, she built up her faith and her relationships with her church family at New Community Church. Verna’s pastor was a dear friend for many years. She was deeply invested in her community, and she was always looking for ways to serve those around her. In her free time, Verna enjoyed baking and gardening. She was always happiest when spending time with her loved ones.

To know Verna Vander Ploeg was to love her and recognize her unwavering dedication to others. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Verna’s heart of service allowed her to impact the lives of those around her for the better. Her unshakeable faith formed the foundation of her life, and she was a shining example of kindness and loyalty. Though she will be deeply missed, Verna leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Verna Vander Ploeg (Roedema), of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on January 13, 2025. Verna was preceded in death by her husband Jack Vander Ploeg, and her brother Leroy Roedema. Verna is survived by her children Debra (Mark) Feyen, Scott (Cindy) Vander Ploeg, Lyn (Tim) Kool, Todd (Sandy) Vander Ploeg and Jack (Betsy) Vander Ploeg; her grandchildren Dr. Jill (Chris) Miedema, Paul (Lindy) Feyen, John Mark (Crystal) Feyen, Steve (Sara) Vander Ploeg, Tim (Jillian) Vander Ploeg, Mike (Hannah) Vander Ploeg, Staci (Drew) DeVries, Amy (Nate) Asma, Bethlyn (Arryn) Land, Heidi (Alex) Mahn, Connor Vander Ploeg and Grady Vander Ploeg; as well as twenty six great grandchildren. Verna also leaves behind her brothers Wesley (Arlene) Roedema and Jack (Marla) Roedema, as well as her sister-in-law Sue Roedema. Verna will be well known for her great love for her family, friends, and her commitment to the community around her. She had a particular soft spot for the mentally impaired. Verna loved baking, her kids, her grandkids, and in fact anyone she came in contact with. She was a vital part of her church communities. Especially new Community Church, which she attended for the last 40 some years. Verna’s family will receive visitors on Friday January 17, 2025 from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE, 49505. A service to remember Verna’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI, 49505. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Verna’s honor can be made to David’s House Ministries. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com