Gerry L. VanderPloeg

Gerry L. VanderPloeg (nee Potgiesser), age 80 of Pine Lake, Plainwell, died on December 5, 2023. She was born on September 11, 1943, in Groningen, Netherlands. She was always proud of her Dutch heritage. Gerry was a 1961 graduate of Parchment High School. For 15 years she sold insurance for Blue Cross Blue Shield and then was an independent sales agent until her retirement. On July 19, 1973, she married Arie VanderPloeg, who preceded her in death on October 18, 2023. They shared 50 wonderful years together. Many of their best memories were spent on Pine Lake. When they built a year-round home on the lake they knew it was to be their "forever home". Gerry was very involved in the lake community and served on the Prairieville Township Board for many years. Boat parades, turtle races, pontoon rides and hours of fishing were all part of the fabric of lake life. She loved it all. The last 13 years, Arie and Gerry escaped the cold weather and headed to Florida to enjoy the sunshine. Gerry was very artistic and enjoyed painting and sewing, even making some of the clothes in her stylish wardrobe. She was a fabulous cook and spent many hours in the kitchen sharing her culinary skills with her family by hosting all the holidays at her home. Her family includes her sister, Marja Wisser; her nephews, Jeff (Joy) Wisser and Rick (Jill) Wisser; her niece, Brenda (Chris) Sinkovitz; and several other nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 9th, at 11:00 AM, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1628 East G Avenue Parchment, MI 49004, with Father Mike Hazard and Father Albert Kemboi presiding. Friends gathered with the family from 10:00-11:00 AM, prior to the Mass. A burial was held at Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Prairieville Township Fire Department. Please visit Gerry's personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com