Victor John Vroegop

April 13th, 1970 - October 2nd, 2021

Victor 's Memory Wall

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V was one of the first teachers I met at St. Joe, but my first encounter with him was before high school began. As an 8th grader who had never attended public school before, I was a little uncertain how things would be in such an unfamiliar environment; so, when I shadowed a student for a day, I was ready for anything. Luckily, this student had V as a teacher for 3 hours straight, so my first experience of public school was mostly of his teaching: I remember coming out of that thinking that if most teachers at St. Joe were like him, I’d be perfectly fine. V, as a teacher, inspired confidence in his students: in his Mechatronics class, I became comfortable with programming and problem-solving in an environment where it was all right to fail, and he would always help patiently coach students until they could succeed. I know countless students are better off from having taken his classes, and his legacy will live on in the programs he built at St. Joe. Robotics was my place to belong in high school and shaped me into a better person in many ways: without V’s dedication and incredible time commitment to the team’s success and our welfare, this space wouldn’t have existed for me to thrive. But more specifically, V invited me to greater participation on the team and gave the student as much of a voice as the adult. Maybe that’s what stands out to me most as I look back: V treated students as adults, as full people in their own right, and that made a huge difference in my story. I think I echo a lot of what other students have said when I say that my only regret is not getting the chance to say thanks just one more time for all he did; we were all so happy that he was enjoying his new job at Eagle, and I wish he had more time there to do so. We’ll miss him a lot

Cameron Haynes

October 8th, 2021 at 4:10pm

I first met Vic 10 years ago in the principal's office at the St. Joe high school. We were talking about starting a robotics club. I'm used to encountering resistance in these discussions, but not with Vic. He knew what this could do for his students and he was all in, and The Average Joes was born. Vic had a great commitment to his team, and he set high standards for everyone around him. It was inspiring. Early success in developing a world-class FIRST Robotics team gave us the leverage to grow. Becoming a district competition host, expanding the school curriculum and even the Edward Todd Center can all be traced back to Vic's hard work. His impact extended beyond St Joe. In subsequent years Vic was instrumental in helping to start new teams in southwest Michigan. Lakeshore, South Haven, Benton Harbor and many other teams benefited from his generosity and willingness to help. I am fortunate to have called him friend, he made me a better person. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.

John Mannisto

October 7th, 2021 at 5:33pm

I have only fond memories of my time spent with V. He taught me many crucial skills in HS while I attended his wood shop classes that I use to this day. I am grateful for the time I had with him and will remember all the things he taught me and more importantly the time he took to give me guidance as I needed it. He was one of the only teachers I visited after I graduated to go back and see. I'm thankful that I did. V will be missed and I give my condolences to the family during this very difficult time. Drew Maier

Drew Maier

October 6th, 2021 at 10:33am

Words cannot describe my emotions. Working with Vic, I enjoyed my time as a robotic mentor under his guidance. His passion for teaching the kids life skills will never be forgotten. I also had the fortunate chance to work with him for a short time at Eagle Technologies after his retirement from the school system. I will miss catching up with Vic at work. We would go for weeks without seeing each other and then, it was like we just saw each other yesterday. Vic was and still is a major influence on my children as they committed hundreds of hours together on the Average Joes. Vic, you will be missed by so many. Rest now brother...

Mike Zimanski

October 6th, 2021 at 8:51am

Vic was one of the most inspired, passionate people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He had nothing but respect for his students and colleagues. He saw the potential in every one of the students he coached, and would do anything to help them pursue that potential for the betterment of themselves. There was sincerity in every word he spoke, and a dedication in his actions that could naught but inspire. I'm crushed that Vic was taken from us so soon, and perhaps I just regret not thanking him enough. I truly believe that Mr. Vroegop played a tremendous role in shaping my passions, work ethic, and decisions. Had I more time, I would have thanked him for his tireless work with the robotics team, and for helping me turn a hobby into a career. I can only hope to achieve one day the future Vic saw in me, but at least I'm on the right path. And for that, I will never forget him. May he live on in our minds and hearts.

Nick Zimanski

October 6th, 2021 at 12:56am

as a former Student of Vic's SJHS class of 2010 i was in both his first year woodshop metals as well as his advanced woodshop and metals classes at that time MR.Berry the now Principal was the enegneering teacher when we were designing our projects during class i had already thrown mine up in CaD inventor and Pro E during mr Berrys class earlier that morning none the less Vic Caught me playing a closed network Quake game with the other engineering students so i minimized my game pulled up my project on CAD Inventor and Pro E the inventor project was an assembly of my project being each individual part put together anyway the remainder of the class Vic had me helping the other students