Michael Edwin Ver Ploeg

July, 09, 1955 - August, 16, 2021

Michael Edwin Ver Ploeg of Clarksville, Indiana passed away peacefully at the age of 66, on Monday August 16th, 2021 while surrounded by his family at Kindred Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Born July 9, 1955 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Michael was the oldest son of 7. He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and JoAnn (Stone) Ver Ploeg; siblings Elton, Rodney, Julie (Ver Ploeg) Potts  and their infant sister; grandparents Elton Ver Ploeg,  Gerard and Margaret (Van Zante) (Ver Ploeg) Gosslink and many more cherished members of the Ver Ploeg, Gosslink, Stone and Van Zante families.

He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia K. (Lee) Ver Ploeg , son Jason and wife Jessica, daughter Katie and husband Ronald Bissig, grandchildren Anthony and wife Morgan, Logan, Connor, Amelia, JoLee and Ally; his sisters Robyn and husband Gary Kellems, and Sandy Ver Ploeg Dugan as well as several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michael was a member of the 1973 Jeffersonville High School graduating class and enjoyed the local rivalry with his wife Cindy, a graduate of rival Clarksville Senior High. The rivalry was so strong between them that once married, they agreed to move to the neutral territory of nearby New Albany and remained there for the next 17 years; a source of many jokes amongst those closest to them.

Michael valued family above all else and loved his 'Sweetie' Cindy with his whole heart. Even as his health failed, he continued to scribble her love notes from his hospital bed. At that same bedside she unwaveringly fought for him during his 6 month battle. Through 45 years of marriage, 3 states, 2 children, 6 grandchildren and countless adventures, their love for eachother never wained.

Not only a loving husband, Michael was also a father figure to many and the absolute best friend to others. If he called you his friend, he loved you as his family. He was fiercely protective and armed with a wildly quick witt and sharp tongue.

Michael enjoyed good food, good times and good people. He loved peanuts in his Pepsi, going fishing with his son, the Outlaws of country music, carousel rides, pizza and Big Red on Derby day, giant fuzzy slippers, funny birthday cards, the candy aisle during Halloween, tractor pulls with his daughter, a good fried pork chop, scream laughing on rollercoasters, radish sandwiches, a house covered in Christmas decorations, unsweetened tea with a kick, and the sounds of his grandbabies laughing.

Michaels wild young man ways calmed some as he aged, yet he never missed an opportunity for a prank or good joke. Those twinkling eyes, devilish grin and boisterous infectious laugh would tell you instantly that "the Big Dog gotcha again!" He couldn't pass up the chance to shock the crowd as he proudly, and with childlike enthusiasm, officiated the two weddings for his daughter and oldest grandson.

Never one to be shy, he was always the life of the party. If you weren't smiling in his presence, you weren't paying attention. Michael was known for his backyard bottle rocket wars, causing giggle fits amongst the ladies, John Wayne movie marathons, "listening to" The History Channel in his sleep, hot summer crab boils, unforgettable beach adventures, great pork barbecue, steadfast dutch traditions, hilarious dance moves, the most memorable stories, and to quote his 'Sweetie',  "the prettiest hair and the most beautiful big blue eyes". Michaels wild spirit and irresistible charm will live on in our hearts forever.

Michael loved returning to his hometown of Pella, IA and sitting on a bench with a ring of bologna, just as he'd done with his father as a boy. A tradition that he was proud to pass on to his children and grandchildren. To honor this memory a second memorial plaque will be added to his brother Rodneys' memorial bench, allowing them to enjoy the best view of Pellas Tulip Time Parade together.

 In lieu of a funeral service, the family will be hosting a bbq at the home of Michael and Cynthia in Clarksville starting at 1pm.