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Richard Ploeger
1928 - 2024
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- Richard Ploeger
March 6, 1928 - May 24, 2024
Richard, fondly known as Dick, passed away peacefully in his home on May
24th, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 96.
Born on March 6, 1928, in Storm Lake, Iowa, Richard was the cherished son
of Arthur and Elizabeth Ploeger. After graduating from Schaller High
School in 1945, he promptly joined the Navy, bravely serving his country
during the remainder of World War II, stationed in the Philippines.
On June 7, 1953, Richard married Carol Wiltse. They were blessed with two
children, Jeffery Ploeger and Christine Ploeger Cameron.
Richard's passion for education shone brightly throughout his career as a
teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He earned his BA from Buena
Vista University, his MA from the University of Iowa, and his Doctorate in
Education from the University of South Dakota. He served with distinction
in numerous school districts across Iowa, leaving an indelible mark on the
lives of countless students and colleagues. From 1953 to 1967, he served
as Superintendent for multiple rural Iowa schools before assuming the
roles of County Superintendent for Marshall County and Chief Administrator
of AEA Region 6 in Marshalltown, Iowa. His dedication to education spanned
an impressive fifty-nine years, finally retiring at the age of 76.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Richard was deeply involved in the
Marshalltown community, serving as a committed member of the Rotary,
Chamber of Commerce, VFW, and Legion. Dick and Carol were members of the
First Presbyterian Church. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and
grandfather, finding immense joy in spending time with his beloved family.
Following the passing of his wife, Carol, in 2017, Richard relocated to
Des Moines in 2018 to be closer to family.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth; wife,
Carol; three sisters, Margie Wycoff, Marlys Malcolm, and Carol Jeanne
Bradley; and son-in-law, Streetar Cameron.
Richard is survived by his devoted children, Jeffery (Susan) Ploeger of
Burlington, IA, and Christine Cameron of Urbandale, IA; four
granddaughters, Meredith (Matt) Glendening, Emily (Marc) Matuska,
Elizabeth (Benjamin) Sheridan, and Jennifer (Allen) Simpson; and ten
cherished great-grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Carol, at Rose Hill Memorial
Gardens in Marshalltown, IA, during a private family inurnment. A memorial
service to honor and celebrate Richard's life will be held at the First
Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown, IA, on Saturday, June 8th. Visitation
will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m.,
followed by a luncheon and continued fellowship.
Memorials can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of
Marshalltown. 101 S Center, Marshalltown, IA 50158.
Visitation: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 10:00AM - 11:00AM, First Presbyterian
Church, 101 South Center St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
Memorial Service: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 11:00AM, First Presbyterian
Church, 101 South Center St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
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source: © Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 West Main Street,
Marshalltown, IA 50158, Phone: 641-753-5511
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