Christopher Schipper

SCHIPPER, Christopher
Kalamazoo Christopher Schipper, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 28, 2014. He was born October 8, 1925 in Kalamazoo, the son of Wubbo and Catharina Schiebergen Schipper and was a life long resident of the area. Christopher was preceded in death by his parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Rena Rene Penny. He was the second oldest and only brother to 4 surviving sisters, Jean Herman Visker, Wilma Howard Koning, Marilyn Robert Musselman and Carol Schipper. On February 6, 1948, he married the love of his life, Henrietta Esman, and last year, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Henrietta passed away on May 7, 2013. Christopher had built their home on Grace Road and was a life member of Hope Reformed Church. He was so proud of his children, Nancy Don Van Donselaar, Chris Diane Schipper, Laura Dale Sweet; and his 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired from Mead Paper Company in 1983. He was also on the Westwood Fire Department for 43 years, from 1954 to 1997. He loved planting flowers at his home, the Westwood Fire Station and at church. He had a passion for ice fishing, golf, many bowling leagues and coin collecting. Christopher lived a Christian life filled with blessings of family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at 11:00 AM in the Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Blvd. with Pastor Kent Frens officiating. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.