David Vander Ploeg

June 17th, 1936 - November 20th, 2023

David 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of David here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

To Sheryl Vander Ploeg and David Vander Ploeg's family, may all of you be comforted in God's love and grace. When Dave became Exec. Director of (then) Back to God Hour, I was a younger Exec. Dir. of Chr. Ref. Home Missions, beginning in 1986. I enjoyed Dave's company (we spent social time together usually after enduring another marathon meeting in Grand Rapids), positive spirit and humor a lot, and I benefited greatly from his sage advice, always so lovingly, directly offered when I asked for it, or he thought I needed it. I had a quip that brought a big smile from him, "Lawyers can do anything." His funny, maybe truthful response, "Preachers think they can do anything." (I'm one of the latter.)
Thank you for entering David's obituary in the Grand Rapids, Press. You gave me an opportunity to think about him, and how much I miss him. God bless. John Rozeboom

John A Rozeboom

December 14th, 2023 at 11:00am

Sheryl: Our sincerest sympathies to you and family in the loss of David. May God grant you the comfort that only He can provide at such a time as this. He'll be missed by friends, fellow boat enthusiasts, and professional folks. We had many good times together as you well know, and our lives are very much changed and improved by his friendship. May you find peace as you continue a different phase of life!

Ray VanderWeele

December 7th, 2023 at 9:33am

I had the privilege of being hired and mentored by Dave at Barnabas Foundation. He was an amazing leader who significantly influenced my professional career and also became a dear friend. His vision, humble spirit, and gracious manner were inspiring to me and to everyone he worked with. His investment of time and energy in Barnabas Foundation has made an eternal impact for God’s Kingdom. I will be forever grateful for his influence in my life.

Jim Bakke

November 22nd, 2023 at 12:32pm

We are grateful for our opportunity to have been loved by the Hartwell Family. When we started Christian Fellowship at CRCSJ Dave and Sheryl were some first friends. You know when you meet a gentle wise Christian. Dave loved well. Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit’s work in his heart. We are warmed to have known Dave in a personal way. Keep the Faith Sheryl and all the Fam—keep running your race. There is a prize awaiting us all who can endure to the end. Amen.

Joe And Tama Prahlow

November 22nd, 2023 at 5:30am

David Vander Ploeg was one of the greatest people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He was kind, generous, and had impeccable integrity. He and his wife Sheryl are such incredibly wonderful people it shows in their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Dave and Sheryl stepped into to help pay for my bar exam so I wouldn't have to put off taking it. That's something I hope to pay forward but in the meantime I'll have to be content to live my life in a way that would make him proud. To say he will be missed is an understatement. There's so much more to say about him but I simply don't have the words right now. Such a loss of an amazing man.