Herman Lammert Visker

Herman Lammert Visker died and went home to be with his Savior, Friday, May 12, 2023. He was born December 9, 1928, in Portage, MI son of Lammert and Cornelia (Agema) Visker and had been a lifelong area resident.

Herm graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High in 1946.  He said the best two things about those years were Jean Louise Schipper and playing on the basketball team with Vern Herder.

After graduation Herm started his career in carpentry which continued throughout his entire life.  He was employed by different builders, but the majority of his working years were spent with Visser Builders.

He married “his one and only” Jean Schipper on September 7, 1948. The home he built himself, 70 years ago, held many special memories with Jean and his four boys and was the place where he died peacefully.

Following his Lord was a way of life for Herm.  He lived his faith by serving on consistory at his church, being a Stephen Minister, helping with many additions to the church building, serving at funerals and the Friendship Program. 

He shared his building talents with anyone in need and went on many service project trips. Helping his family remodel or put additions onto their homes was a joy for him. His shop was his favorite place to be, especially after Jean died. He made many useful items for family including tables, coasters, cutting boards, paper towel holders, etc.  He also enjoyed making intricate wooden model trucks.

Herm and Jean loved to travel and made it to every state – mostly in their blue travel/work van.  Their trip to Alaska was Herm’s favorite and he loved to recall and share the details with family.

Herm was a lifelong sports fan with baseball being his favorite.  He went to many Tiger ball games with his boys and later with extended family.

Herm and Jean were very involved in the lives of their family.  Sporting events, plays, musicals, grandparents’ days were all events they attended with pride.

Herm leaves a legacy of love and will be remembered for his steadfast faith, listening ear and quiet wit.

The family would like to thank all his wonderful neighbors who came for many visits bringing him treats and for helping with yard work and snow shoveling. Your care and love for Dad was amazing and greatly appreciated!

We are also thankful for Dad’s nurse, social worker, and home health aid from Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice) – truly a blessing!

Jean preceded him in death on September 21, 2020. Herman was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alvin Visker; brothers-in-law, Robert Barram and Martin Mulder; and twin infant great-granddaughters.  Herman is survived by his children, Donald (Marcia) Visker, Thomas (Barbara) Visker, Roger (Susan) Visker, and Kenneth (Kathie) Visker; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Barram and Eileen Mulder; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and services will be held at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 4-6:00 pm.  Services will begin at 11:30 Monday morning, May 22, 2023. Senior Pastor Mike Koetje will officiate along with Herman’s son and grandson, Rev. Roger Visker and Rev. Nathan Visker. Private graveside services will be held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, North.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Westwood Christian Reformed Church, Centrica Care Navigators, or the Kalamazoo Christian School Association. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. To view Herman’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com