Carol Janet Vander Ploeg

Carol Vander Ploeg, age 79, of Randolph, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Waupun Hospital. For 41 years, Carol courageously lived with Multiple Sclerosis. As paralysis later set in, she never allowed these challenges to discourage her. She was an inspiration to many, known for her never-ending smile, quick wit, and genuine care and compassion for others.

Carol was born on April 5, 1946, in Englewood, IL, the daughter of Richard and Grace (Kloosterman) Blauw. She was united in marriage to Arlin Medema on August 26, 1966, at Cottage Grove C.R.C. in South Holland, IL and was blessed with 22 years. After Arlin passed, Carol was blessed with a second marriage of 8 years to Harry Vander Ploeg.

Carol earlier worked at Mutual Saving Bank in Beaver Dam where she was a Bank Teller and sold annuities. She treasured the trip she won to Hawaii for most annuities sold. Carol never met a stranger she could not strike up a conversation with; learning their whole life story by the end. She enjoyed her game shows and was always up for a game of scrabble, many times with her own rules. Carol was a longtime member of Second Christian Reformed Church in Randolph.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Medema of Randolph, WI; son, Keith (Amy) Medema of Randolph, WI; grandchildren, Colton Medema, Wesley Medema, Nicholas Medema and Madelynn Medema; and brother Rev. Richard (Linda) Blauw. She is further survived by Harry’s family, Kimberly Vander Ploeg, Debra (Doug) DeJager, Lisa (Dave) Pagen, Elizabeth Woodfolk; grandchildren, Makyla Woodfolk, Maegyn Woodfolk and Charlotte Pagen.

She was preceded in death by her beloved first husband, Arlin Medema in 1988; husband, Harry Vander Ploeg in 1998; son, Gregory Medema in 2013; and sister-in-law, Joyce Blauw in 2023.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Second Christian Reformed Church, 332 Tamarack Street, Randolph, WI 53956.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Second Christian Reformed with Rev. Keith Buist officiating.