Marion Schipper

Marion Schipper lived out her Christian commitment in her daily walk and was a beautiful example to all who knew and loved her. Always there to help others in need, she was fun-loving and hardworking in all that she did. Her positive outlook and caring ways brightened the lives of her family and many friends. A kid at heart, Marion was a blessing whether she was serving at church, enjoying time with family or expounding on her creativity. A devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The Roaring Twenties was an incredible time in our nation’s history where progress could be seen across the U.S. The birthplace of jazz, America was thriving with industry while a sense of gaiety filled the air. In the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, John and Jeanette (Wierstra) Decker had much to be thankful for as they celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Marian Jean, on February 20, 1924. She was the second oldest of four children, joining her older brother Bob, and two younger brothers, Richard and Jim.

Marion’s family lived at 1040 Crosby NW in a three bedroom, Sears and Roebuck catalog home her father built. A close knit family, Marion’s father was a woodworker by trade, employed with the Imperial Furniture Company where he made tables and chairs. Her mother was a homemaker who kept herself busy taking in work as a seamstress, volunteering her time at The Salvation Army and involved with church activities. Her father, a solid family leader, also served as a Sunday School teacher at their church home, Seventh Reformed where they were longtime members. Marion looked up to her parents as wonderful role models who set a beautiful example of God’s love in their home.

The hardships of the Great Depression didn’t leave much in the form of extravagances. They never traveled far from home with the exception of visiting Marion’s Aunt Anne at her lake home each summer. For the most part, Marion and her family spent much of their time in the comfort of their home. They were involved with church activities, and holidays were shared with friends in town. Whether it was spring, summer, winter, or fall, Marion enjoyed countless hours with neighborhood friends making memories and taking in all that nearby Richmond Park had to offer. She especially loved the summer months swimming and being outdoors. Marion enjoyed roller skating and later discovered a love for singing. She had a very good voice, and joined the choir at church where she was known to have sung a solo or two.

During her early years, Marion attended Widdicomb School and Harrison Park Elementary. Living close to school allowed Marion to eat lunch at home, but it was quite a run there and back again in time for afternoon classes. She went on to graduate from Union High School with the Class of 1942. Like many young women during World War II, Marion was one of many that filled the void in the manufacturing plants when the men went off to war. She took on work at a chair manufacturing plant riveting chairs together. It was during this time that Marion was dating a young man who introduced her to his friend, an onion farmer from Grant, Michigan, named Ebert Schipper. Quite taken with Ebert, her friend’s chances of an ongoing relationship with Marion ceased from that moment on. Although Marion loved to roller skate, Ebert wasn‘t too fond of the idea. Even so, they became quite smitten and after dating for a time, they found themselves in love.

On March 6, 1947, Marion and Ebert exchanged wedding vows at Seventh Reformed Church before a congregation of family and friends. A memorable two week honeymoon was spent in Florida before they returned home to set-up house as husband and wife. They lived in Ebert’s farm house in Grant where Marion soon became a busy farmer’s wife. Before long, they welcomed the blessing of children into their lives as well. Marion was a kind and helpful mother who was willing to let her children learn and experience life without being overly protective, yet was always there to watch over them. Ebert and Marion raised their children in faith and attended church regularly. One family vacation in particular stands out in the hearts of Marion’s children. Quite new to the idea of camping, Marion and Ebert packed up all five kids into a camper and experienced quite an adventure filled trip. Memories of that trip continue to bring smiles to their faces. Later in life, Marion and Ebert took several enjoyable trips traveling to Florida, Hawaii and Europe.

Between the demands of the farm, nurturing the children and with housekeeping chores, it left little time for anything else in Marion‘s life. She handled it all with grace, and provided a loving home for her family. In the free time she did have, Marion loved listening to classical music and old hymns. She enjoyed going to the library and favored many authors. Quite involved at church, Marion belonged to several women’s groups over the years, prepared delicious meals for shut-ins, and volunteered her time and talents at church whenever she was needed, just like her mother before her. A wonderful cook, Marion enjoyed preparing and serving her meals from scratch. A special treat her family enjoyed was the scrumptious potato donuts and chocolate chip cookies she made. Above all, Marion was devoted and dedicated to those she loved and cared about. She and Ebert always worked side-by-side for the good of their family. One of her most cherished possessions was a beautiful diamond ring Ebert lovingly gave her for their 30th wedding anniversary. Fun loving , Marion had a positive and creative manner that could brighten even the most gloomy days. In many ways, Marion was just a kid at heart.

At the age of 85, Marion J. Schipper passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 with her family at her side. She will be greatly missed by her husband of over 63, years, Ebert Schipper; her children, Evonne and Corky Koopmans, Wanda and Dan VandenBerg, Lester Schipper, Renee Spitler, Lorie and Darin Perow; sixteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her brother and sisters-in-law, Dr. Robert and Cora Decker and Anita Decker; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Rev. Richard Decker and Dr. James Decker.

A service to celebrate Marion’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 11:00 AM at Remembrance Reformed Church, 3787 Remembrance Rd. NW. Friends may meet with her family on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions may be directed to Holland Home (Lendick Unit), 1450 E. Fulton 49503 or to Grant Reformed Church, 271 East State Road, Grant MI 49327. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Marion and to sign her online guest book.