Rika was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on July 8, 1928, to Jacob and Jennie Alphenaar. She graduated from high school and started her working career. She retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Company after several years of serving as an executive secretary. Rika married George Vander Ploeg on August 11, 1965. Rika and George were members of First Protestant Reformed Church of Holland. In 2016, after 51 years of marriage, George preceded Rika in death.
She is survived by her brother Harold and Joyce Alphenaar of Kalamazoo, sister-in-law Betty Alphenaar of Kalamazoo, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Funeral services for Rika Vander Ploeg will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. A light luncheon and a time of visitation and fellowship will follow the funeral service. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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