In his later years he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and Goldwing trike with the GWRRA Chapter A group in Des Moines and close friends. His love of NASCAR automobile races continued and he and Arleen attended many races across the nation. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Arleen; their son, Alan (Dr. Merri Kae) Vander Ploeg of Stafford, Virginia; two grandchildren - Dylan Vander Ploeg and Wendy Vander Ploeg; his sister, Sharon Nuzum of Valrico, Florida; his nieces, nephews and many cousins and their families.