Simon “Sam” Vander Ploeg died Monday, Nov. 21, at his home in Kalamazoo. He was 81.

Sam was born Feb. 3, 1941, in Shelbyville, the son of Johanas “Joe” and Bertha (Scholten) Vander Ploeg. He worked as a lithographer at Battle Creek Litho for many years until his retirement in 1996. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, bowling, square dancing, traveling and spending the winters in Florida.

On May 1, 1999, in Traverse City he married Norma James who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Kim (Craig) Reed and Tim (Jane) Vander Ploeg; grandchildren, Angela (Dan) Smith, Ashely Reed, Adam (Vanessa) Reed and Cody Vander Ploeg; eight great-grandchildren and siblings, Shirley Knowlton, Alvin Vander Ploeg, Judy Oglesbee and Duane Vander Ploeg, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jake Vander Ploeg, Cornie Vander Ploeg, Jerald Vander Ploeg, Alice Kraima, Josephine Vander Ploeg, Henry “Hank” Vander Ploeg and Bonnie Earl.

Friends may visit with Sam’s family starting at noon Friday, Nov. 25, at Grace Harbor Church in Kalamazoo, until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Bill Ferguson officiating. A time of fellowship will follow.

Burial will take place at 3:30 p.m. at East Martin Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Sam may be made to Grace Harbor Church in Kalamazoo.