Obituary of William Ernest Ploeger, Jr.

William Ernest Ploeger, Jr., 98, of Melbourne Village, FL, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 at the William Childs Hospice House. He was born March 22, 1924 in Capac, Michigan to William Ernest Ploeger and Annabel (Campbell) Ploeger.

Ernie was brought up on a farm and learned early on the importance of family, church, hard work, and education.

In the 1940's, he attended Michigan State University, getting a BA in Business. On a school break, he met his future wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Arbour). They married in 1947. Working as an accountant, he had several jobs while renting and working a farm. He was working with a farmers bean marketing company when he transferred to Lansing, MI. In 1957, the family moved to Florida and Ernie worked for Radiation, Inc. There he helped with their merger with Harris Corp. in 1966. He retired from Harris in 1988. Never one for just sitting around, he went on to work for Avis Car Rental, retiring after 30 years in 2021. 

Ernie and Dorothy were charter members of Wesley United Methodist Church in West Melbourne and were very active with the church. They also enjoyed traveling and being with family and friends.

Ernie is survived by his sister Gretchen Ploeger, daughter Linda Ruckman and Kathi Ploeger (Don Meyers), sons Bill Ploeger and Paul Ploeger, grandson Randy Jones, great-granddaughter Allison Gee, niece Diance Ameen (Will), and nephew David Ploeger (Becky). He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and brother Leroy Ploeger.

A future celebration of life is planned.