Bert Schipper

The qualities of a great man live on in the legacy he leaves behind, and Bert Schipper was such a man. With quiet faith, he possessed a servant's heart and was a well respected and admired individual within his community. Most importantly, Bert was a man of integrity whose greatest treasure was found in the family he loved. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Bert's story began in the close knit community of Grant, Michigan just as winter was settling in along the rural pastures and farm fields. The Great Depression cast a shadow among all, and these times of hardship found many barely getting by. For John and Sarah (Mouthaan) Schipper, a local couple who were hard working farmers, the days were filled with joy when on December 16, 1930 they celebrated the birth of their son, Egbert.

The oldest child, Bert was later joined by a younger sister, Verdena. In the mid 1940s, Bert and his family moved from Grant to Martin, Michigan. He attended the area schoolhouse, and for a dollar a month he walked to school during the early morning hours to start the woodburner and clean the chalkboards. Even though it wasn't one of his favorite jobs, it was one of many work ethics Bert learned early on. Bert enjoyed many adventures growing up on his parent's farm. Along with his studies, he tended to daily chores and by the time he completed the 8th grade, he left his schooling behind to work the farm fulltime.

Bert was drafted into the United States Navy. Always the hard worker, he gave it his all. He served from 1955 to 1957, stationed on the destroyer radar ship, the U.S.S. Henry Tucker. During these years in the Navy, Bert saw and experienced much of the world around him. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Michigan where he continued to help his father farm.

Life for Bert soon turned in a new direction while roller skating in Zeeland on a Saturday night when he met the love of his life, Leona Veldman. Like a match made in heaven, Bert drove from Martin to Coopersville every Friday and Sunday to visit his sweetheart at her family home. It was nearly a year before Bert asked Leona for her hand in marriage, and on October 7, 1960 they became husband and wife.

After setting up house on his family farm, Bert and Leona soon began a family of their own with the births of three children, John, Jim, and Barb. Like his father before him, Bert was a hard working farmer and did so for about 60 years in all. He also had a livestock trucking business for over 30 years which allowed him to make many long term friendships with farmers from all around the area. Bert took pride in the fact his boys were involved with the Boy Scouts and each achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Together he and Leona raised their children in a Christian home and were faithful members of Martin Reformed Church.

Bert never hesitated volunteering at church. He helped whenever he could, including being a Sunday school teacher, serving many terms on consistory, and overseeing the addition of the Ministry Center onto the church. Among his varied interests and farming, Bert served his community. He was the township supervisor and assessor with a special interest on improving roads along with his duties as a township fireman for 34 years. Additionally, Bert chaired a major building addition project for Martin Public Schools and was a big asset to this endeavor. Bert always placed the needs of his family, church and community before his own. Well respected and trustworthy, he was a fair man who thought things through for the greater good.

Bert may have lived in quiet faith, but he was a godly man. With his wealth of knowledge and wisdom, people listened to what he had to say, and respected his opinion. His grandchildren were very special to him. He enjoyed sharing moments with them on the farm like cutting and splitting wood with the grandchildren and taking them out to feed the sheep in the wintertime. Over the years, Bert shared many memorable times with them, and through his example, he taught them well.

There were many treasures in Bert's life. He always enjoyed heading up north to see the many ships at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie. Along with enjoying his own farm he liked driving the countryside and seeing various farms. A meat and potatoes kind of guy, Bert absolutely loved Leona's cooking, and always looked forward to ice cream during the evenings. In his retirement he liked to start the day with coffee at Carman Pharmacy. He was also one to wear long sleeved shirts and they always had to have a pocket for his toothpicks. Among these things and more, Bert's beloved wife and family were his most cherished treasures. Through hard work, honesty, and the love of family, he was blessed beyond compare. Indeed a great man and a gentleman in every respect, Bert's legacy and memory lives on through those he touched.

Egbert M. Schipper, of Martin went to his heavenly home on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the age of 83. Bert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Leona; three children: John (Laurel) Schipper, Jim (Lori) Schipper, Barb Schipper, all of Martin; six grandchildren: Michael, Derek, and Scott Timmerman, Sara, Ben and Emily Schipper. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Verdena Schipper.

Bert's family will receive friends on Sunday, January 19th from 5-8 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 20, 11:00 AM with viewing at 9:30 AM until the service at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 West Allegan, Martin, Michigan with Reverend Mark Heijerman officiating. Burial at East Martin Cemetery. Special appreciation to the staff at Plainwell Life Care for Bert's care for the past six weeks, especially his nurse, Chellsea and Great Lakes Hospice.

Please visit Bert’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his online guestbook and share a memory. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Martin Reformed Church Library, Words of Hope, and/or charity of choice.