VANDER PLAAT, William H. 89, on March 2, 2018 of Paramus. Born in Paramus on February 1, 1929 he lived his entire life as a part of the Paramus community. He loved his family, his church and serving as a funeral director in his town.

He was devoted to his wife Wilma (Van Stevenick) for 67 years. A loving father to James Vander Plaat and his wife Ginny of Hawthorne, Judith Verrengia and her husband Philip of North Haledon and Kathie Stuitje and her husband Gerry of Lockport, NY. Devoted Grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Brother of Alice Oostdyk and Henry Vander Plaat, Jr.

While our dad did not have a hobby, he enjoyed dining with friends and family. He enjoyed traveling and went on numerous trips with his wife, his children and friends. He loved boating and spending time at Lake Wallenpaupack often sharing his time there with family. His generosity will always be remembered.

During his life, his faith and his church played an important part. He loved the Lord and as a result it impacted how he lived his life. He grew up in Summer Street Christian Reformed Church and after his marriage became a part of First Christian Reformed Church of Haledon for over 50 years. He currently is a member of the Midland Park Christian Reformed Church of Midland Park. During his life he was always active in his church often serving as an elder and a deacon as well as other positions in the church.

Bill had a heart of service, not only to his family and church, but also to his community. He was funeral director his entire life. He began his career working with his father and brother and was co-owner of the Vander Plaat Memorial Home in Paramus until 2009. After leaving Paramus he joined his son and grandson at the Vander Plaat – Vermeulen Memorial Home of Franklin Lakes until his retirement in 2012. Being a funeral director was always more than a job – it was a way to use his gift of service. He loved people and lived out his faith as he served them. During his career he was a charter member of the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance, Paramus Lions Club, Haledon Rotary, and Eastern Christian School Board.

The family will receive friends at the Vander Plaat – Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9PM. A memorial service will be held at the Midland Park Christian Reformed Church, 183 Godwin Ave, Midland Park on Tuesday at 11:00am. A private interment was held at the Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Eastern Christian School Association, 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ or Midland Park Christian Reformed Church Faith Promise, 183 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ.

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