Henry A. Ploegstra, 89, of Freedom Village in Holland, Michigan, ascended to his eternal home on September 18, 2023. Henry was born on August 20, 1934, in Rudyard, MI, to Menno and Katie Ruth (Kamper) Ploegstra. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gerrit Ploegstra, and his sister and brother-in-law Karen and Myron Meyer, and his nephew Mark Ploegstra.
Henry’s education included Rudyard High School, Calvin University, Columbia University of New York, and the University of Chicago where he earned his PhD.
His teaching career spanned seven decades and included multiple years at Rudyard High School, Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, Trinity School of New York, and St. Mark’s School of Texas, in Dallas.
He retired in 2012 after the previous 28 years at St. Mark’s. Henry was a resident of Freedom Village for eleven years.
Henry is survived by his sister Elaine Ploegstra and Marne Perry, brother Joel and Angie (Pluger) Ploegstra, brother Glenn and Sue (De Boe) Ploegstra, nephews: Bruce and Dawn Meyer, Kelvin and Carla Ploegstra, Nicholas and Wendy Ploegstra; nieces: Sara and Brad Heeres, Tina and Jonathan Bossenbroek, Gretchen and Jeff Rottman, Erin and Josh Hutt, Ann Ploegstra, Lori and Duane Rawson, 26 grand-nephews/grand-nieces, and four great-grand-nephews/nieces.
Henry’s life was a testament to the goodness of God.
Services are currently pending.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland-Freedom Village Scholarship Fund.
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