Clarence J. Vander Ploeg, 79, of Kanawha, passed away, Tuesday, September 28, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. Clarence, the son of Jacob and Effie (Cook) Vander Ploeg, was born February 12, 1925, in Holland, Michigan.  He attended Christian and public schools in Michigan.  Clarence later moved to Kanawha where he helped his Uncle Albert Vander Ploeg farm. Clarence entered the United States Navy in March of 1944 and served until May of 1946.   Following his discharge, Clarence returned to Michigan. Clarence was united in marriage with Lillian Blank in Holland, Michigan on March 18, 1947.  The couple made their home in Holland until 1949, at which time they returned to Kanawha.  They farmed northeast of Kanawha where they resided until 1993, when Clarence retired and the couple moved to Kanawha. Clarence enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and visiting relatives.  He also enjoyed woodworking, crosswords and word games.  Clarence had a love for music and liked to play the organ and mouth organ.  He loved to visit the sick when he was able. Clarence was an active member of Kanawha Christian Reformed Church where he served as a deacon on the church council and also taught Catechism. Clarence is survived by his wife Lillian of Kanawha; one son Curtis and his wife, Judy of Kanawha; one daughter Cheryl Jackson and her husband, Jay of Kanawha; three grandchildren: Sylvia Jackson, Joseph Jackson, and James Vander Ploeg; two sisters: Delia Mouw of Zeeland, Michigan and Joyce Nieman and her husband, Martin of Britt; one brother-in-law Raymond Blank and his wife Ann of Kanawha; four sisters-in-law: Marion Blank of Garner, Edna Schreur and her husband Herman of Lynden, Washington, Ada Schoenwetter and her husband, Homer of Garner, Leona Sorenson and her husband, Kenneth of Crystal Lake; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Steven in 1952; three brothers-in-law: Cecil Blank, Harold Mouw and Donald Marchand.