Claude Vander Ploeg is a Grand Rapids native now living on the north shore of Crystal Lake.
 
Following his graduation from the University of Michigan Law School, Claude went to work for a Grand Rapids law firm, representing oil companies. He became familiar with this area through his wife Donna, whose parents summered at Crystal Lake. In 1973 Claude and his father-in-law bought a small duplex on Crystal Lake. Claude and Donna have been coming up here ever since, expanding the place four times.