Chad Nissen

The most beautiful, gentle of spirits are often the most cherished, the most loved, and the most challenged. There is much about this world we do not understand, nor are we meant to; we must rely on love and faith to guide us, led by the little angels in our lives. Chad Nissen was truly one of those angels, such a gentle, loving spirit. His stay with us was brief, yet he left such a lasting imprint, a gift we will truly cherish forever.

Chad’s story began on a warm fall day in 1987, in the bustling city of San Jose, California. Those were turbulent times in this country, which was captivated by the Iran-Contra Scandal, and President Ronald Reagan uttered the famous words in Berlin, Germany: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Then, on October 22, Kim and Charles Nissen celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Chad.

Chad joined his big brother, C.J., in the family’s San Jose home. Chad’s birth included some challenges for the family, as he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and was essentially blind, able to make out only shadows. When Chad was just an infant, Kim packed up her two sons and moved to the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.

It wasn’t long before Kim met a wonderful man named Greg Reeves, and the two quickly began dating. In the early years of their relationship, it was Kim who kept the family strong with her dedication and the long hours she put in. Kim's example as a mother helped Greg become the father he is today, who lovingly cared for Chad as his own the rest of his life.

Kim and Greg took such wonderful care of their son, their happy little angel. Chad was a very happy little boy, always smiling and laughing. Greg always said he would love to trade places with Chad for a day, to see what was going through Chad’s mind to make him so happy all the time.

Though Chad spoke only in a series of one-syllable words, he had his own language, and his own way of communicating with people. He attended the Croyden Avenue School in Kalamazoo, where he especially enjoyed swimming in the school’s pool. He also loved riding in the school bus every day. Chad loved riding in the car anywhere, though, and enjoyed being out of the house.

Chad also loved being in the yard with his mom and dad in the springtime, overseeing the planting of their many flowers every year. He loved being outside, feeling the breeze on his face and hearing the birds chirp on warm summer days.

Chad was just as happy indoors, of course, being the ever-smiling boy he was. He enjoyed watching cartoons, especially SpongeBob SquarePants. He also loved music, especially the kid’s artist named Raffi. His mom and dad enjoyed singing him his favorite songs, changing the words into something silly, to make Chad laugh loudly. Of course, Chad loved to laugh at anything.

There were many other things that brought Chad happiness in his life, from his beloved cat, Abbey, to of course, dinnertime. He loved just about any foods, but he didn’t have much of a sweet tooth. He was sweet enough as it was.

Chad’s life was filled with challenges, of course, which he and his family bravely faced each day. Chad underwent nine different surgeries in his young life, yet the family always stayed strong through them all. Chad also loved his caring, compassionate doctor, who helped the family so much over the years.

Eventually, Chad’s health began to decline. In March of 2008, Chad became ill with an inflammation of the pancreas. He was admitted to the hospital, though he never recovered. Chad died on Monday, March 24, 2008, in Kalamazoo, at the age of 20.

Chad was a happy, loving little angel, sent here to serve his apprenticeship on earth, helping all those around him with his love, his laughter, and his smile. His dad always wanted to trade places with him, to see what made him so happy, but it was easy to see: Chad was a boy surrounded by so much love, so much affection, a love he shared with all who knew him.

Learn more about Chad, view his Life Story film and visit with his family and friends Friday from 2pm to 4:30pm at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage location, 5975 Lovers Lane where services will be held at 4:30pm that same day. Members of Chad’s family include his mom and dad, Greg and Kim Reeves, his biological father Charles Nissen, a brother C.J. (Sarah) Nissen, nephew Dillon, niece Ella and his Grandma 9. Please visit Chad’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his guest book before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chad’s family.