Obituary of Craig Vanderploeg

It is with sadness that the family of Craig Vander Ploeg announces his passing on March 7, 2022, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Craig was born in Traverse City Michigan on November 26, 1969.  As a young child and into adulthood Craig had an intense desire to learn and a natural ability for mathematics.  As a teenager, he was known to his peers as a lover of music, especially Pink Floyd.  During this time, he was into breakdancing and during the summers you could find him at Holland Beach showing off his skills.  If you knew Craig, you would find yourself in interesting conversations about music and if you could follow along mathematics and solving any type of puzzle.  He also was an avid guitarist and loved to play music and sing.  Craig graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Mathematics (1994).  He completed his Master’s degree in Mathematics at the University of New Mexico (2012).  He had a love of teaching and learning and is remembered by students as a demanding, hardworking, and being a stickler on details with mathematics. He is survived by his brother Curt Vander Ploeg (Tammy), sister Dr. Katrina Echtinaw-Lewis (Jason).  Additionally, he is survived by several nieces and a nephew  He is also survived by his longtime friend Susan Rector.  Craig was proceeded in death by his parents Jerry and Jackie Vander Ploeg.

Craig was cremated and his family will be spreading his ashes in Alburquerque, NM and Holland Michigan.  His family would love to hear your about your memories and would love for you to share your pictures.