Gerald VanderPlas

1953 - 2024

VanderPlas, Gerald
12/24/1953 - 8/26/2024
Grand Rapids
Gerald (Gerry) Albert VanderPlas, 70, passed away peacefully at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna Lutz VanderPlas; children, Ben VanderPlas (Alyson), Sara Keller (Joseph), and Jon VanderPlas (Meghan); siblings, Thomas VanderPlas (Ruth), Mary Jo Huntington (Bill), Patti Brown, and Cindy Taylor (Steve); 11 grandchildren; 22 nieces and nephews; his friends and family; and his loyal dog, Bella.
The son of William and Margaret (Scheibelhut) VanderPlas, Gerry was born in Pontiac, MI, and raised in Berkley, MI. An energetic youth with a beaming personality, Gerry moved to Southern California in his early twenties where he met his loving wife, Donna. They moved back to Michigan and married in 1980. After welcoming their children into the world at their first home in Rochester Hills, MI, Gerry and Donna later settled into Grand Rapids, MI in 1988. They raised their children with family at the heart of everything and Ben, Sara, and Jon are proud to carry that legacy forward.
Gerry was loved by everyone who knew him. His bright, charming, and outgoing demeanor brought smiles and laughter to all those in his presence. From serving as an active President of the Cascade Acres Homeowners Association, where he organized regular community building events, to hosting a large gathering of his closest friends and family at his house every Christmas Eve, Gerry knew exactly how to bring people together to enjoy life's happiest moments. He was in his element on a golf course, a dance floor, in the great outdoors, or at home in front of a cozy fire. A loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Gerry left a meaningful impression on so many and we are all better for it.
Gerry's visitation and funeral service will be held at St. Robert of Newminster Parish (6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.