William Pluim

March 25, 1942 ~
April 13, 2020

William (Bill) Pluim, age 78, of Grandville passed away in the morning of April 13, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, William Pluim II; mother, Alice Menzies; and stepfather, Harold Menzies. Bill was a graduate of Holland High School and Ferris State University. He spent his career teaching high school business classes at Kenowa Hills High School. Bill was a loving husband to Marcia. A kind and generous man, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. His interests included antiquing, watercolor painting, and sailing the Great Lakes. Survivors include his wife, Marcia; sister, Joan Raffenaud; niece, Ann Macker (Nick and Sam); nephew, Steve Reffenaud (Karen, Addison, and Evan); uncle and aunt, Art and Mary Apkarian; and many cousins. A memorial open house will be held at the MKD Reception and Event Center, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 2-4 pm. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memorial Open House
Saturday, April 10
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 21, 2020 8:49am
Bill was a wonderful man and husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Marcia. These 30 years have gone by so fast. Both of you are so special to me. Your lifelong friend, Joyce Weber

- Joyce Weber

April 19, 2020 3:34pm
Marcia, Sorry for your loss,sending prayers to you an your family.Take care of your self, stay safe in this time.

- Jan Lipscomb

April 18, 2020 2:14pm
My sympathy to you on the loss of your hubby. May you find comfort and strength in God and those around you at this difficult time.

- Gert Banning

April 17, 2020 3:47pm
Dear Marcia, I am very sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy and I hope you are doing as well as possible, under the circumstances. You are a dear person. ❤️Holly Bolhouse

- Holly Bolhouse

April 17, 2020 11:57am
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. He will be missed. Many fond memories of days at the beach house. In later years we would see he and Marcia at the cottage and symphony. My condolences to Marcia, Joan and rest of the family.

- Laurel geldersma

April 17, 2020 8:33am
I have so many wonderful memories of cousin Bill. Summers spent at Saugatuck Oval Beach House were amazing. We cousins had specific jobs (working in the basket room, picking up trash in parking lot and on beach, sweeping) before being allowed to go down swimming and enjoying the beach. Bill was a special cousin to me, and my love and prayers go out to his wife Marcia, Sister Joan and the rest of his wonderful family.

- Char and Dennis Link

April 17, 2020 8:27am
Years ago I sent a letter to Mr. Pluim. Instead of making New Years resolutions I send a letter or card to someone who has made a difference in my life or who has touched it in some way. Mr. Pluim was on the "list" and so in 2006 I sent him a letter which read in part: "Believe it or not, you were a favorite teacher of mine and many students of the Class of '69. You weren't the strictest teacher back then but you were very good at listening, discussing a topic and letting the student voice his/her opinion. You always left us with the impression that our opinions mattered even if they didn't agree with you or the other students. I wasn't part of the "in crowd" but you made me feel (and others) that we were just as important as the cheerleader or basketball jock (oh.....thats what John was! ha ha). You were one of the teachers that really CARED." There was more to my letter of course and we corresponded several times and I am so glad I wrote that first letter! Mr. Pluim was a kind, caring man. He was an accomplished drummer having played the drums from 2nd grade thru college. He raised champion dogs and one even took 1st place at Westminster dog show in obedience class! Our Lord sends us special people to touch our lives - Mr. Pluim was certainly one of those special people and touched MANY lives. May our Lord shine upon this wonderful man and his family. With love and great respect, Sharon and John Twiss

- Sharon & John Twiss

April 16, 2020 11:22am
I had a very unique relationship with Mr. Pluim. First as a student at Kenowa than years later I was his manager at Westdale. Hardest part I always called him Mr. Pluim he would correct me and say Bill. A wonderful person and a real free thinker. I was privileged to know him. God Bless you Mr. Pluim, ( Bill)

- Jim Schab

April 16, 2020 7:11am
Mr. Pluim what a great mentor and teacher . I was Mr. Pluim's Student Teacher for typing one at KHHS . Who would believe I'm using your typing skills today ! I can tell you it saved My butt from a few cold late night patrols . Thank you for sharing some life lessons , your laugh and expressions . Every time I place My hands on a key board some memory clicks and it's always a smile . God Bless You on your journey to heaven Mr. Pluim May you rest in peace .

- frank A Hammond

April 16, 2020 6:21am
Bill was a unique man of great human skills. If my memory serves me well, his "gol darn" was his greatest curse word. He made great decisions as evidenced by his choice of Marcia as his wife. God speed Bill!

- Monte Czuhai

April 15, 2020 10:48am
Bill was my first and most consistent and friendly co-worker at Kenowa High School when I was hired in Oct. 1991 as a history, debate, government, and journalism teacher. He got me through my first two roughest years. A godsend! Affable, ready smile, witty, warm, progressive, and socially aware. Loved his stories and sharing his wisdom with me. Gave me a priceless antique document, a matchmaking service poster and attachments from the 1950s in G.R. Thumbtacks for bulletin boards, envelopes, description on how to use. The poster was meant for beauty and barber shops. On the back of the stiff poster was rubber stamped, "for whites only, no coloreds!" It was a shocking piece of ugly Americana especially for the G.R. area which keeps its ugly past hidden. My history students found it fascinating for years as we studied the Civil Rights movement. Bill would be overjoyed to know how I used this fragile, traumatic piece from our past. It is destined to go in the archives of a local university. Your gift and wisdom lives on.

- W. Michael Johnston

April 15, 2020 5:42am
Read with saddness of Bill's passing. Had not talked with him in many years. Graduated with him from Holland High in 1960 and also attended Ferris with him. His dad and my Dad were very close friends too. Wish his family well and that they know he was a great friend years ago.

- Alan Brinkman

April 15, 2020 5:38am
I remember Bill and Marcia from Good News Community, great people, enjoyed social activities, church, and on one occasion, went to their place to see lamas. Good memories.

- Marlin Baker

April 14, 2020 2:44pm
Bill was a leader on our Kenowa teaching staff plus he was an outstanding teacher/. We are so sorry for your loss.

- Dale and Ellie Trimble

April 14, 2020 12:45pm
Godspeed my friend. You will be missed. From my days having you as a teacher at KHHS, to real estate transactions, symphony pops with you and Marcia, I always enjoyed your company and your words of wisdom. Thank you for touching my life and making it better because of you. May you now be enjoying the promise of eternal life and at peace.

- Paul DeBartolo




Order flowers for William's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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