© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Father and son make World War II memorial trip

Wikimedia commons

U.S. Army Private Grover Plaunt died in Germany, a month before the end of World War II.  That was April 12, 1945.  He was laid to rest in a military cemetery in The Netherlands. 

Last week, two of Private Plaunt’s descendants:  his son Joe of Muskegon, and Joe’s son Randy, became the first relatives ever to visit his grave in a military cemetery in Margraten, The Netherlands.

Randy Plaunt describes the trip as “cathartic” and both say they were overwhelmed by the hospitality and gratitude of those who opened their homes to the Plaunts and offered transportation to revisit some of the battle sites where Grover Plaunt saw action before his death.

Related Content
Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

WKAR delivers fact-based, independent journalism—free and accessible to all. No paywalls, no corporate influence—just trusted reporting that keeps our community informed. Your support makes this possible. Donate today.