Henry Visser

LIFE STORY:

Henry Visser epitomized the best of the American Spirit; he joined the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War, he loved the outdoors and animals, and he was an active member in his church; but most importantly, he was a loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather. Henry was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Henry was born in Lyons, Michigan on December 31, 1929, during a difficult time in American history, the Great Depression. He was the second oldest of twelve children born to John and Alice (Hoort) Visser. His placement in the sibling lineup meant Henry carried a heavy load of responsibilities and learned the value of hard work at an early age. By the time he was eleven, Henry was plowing the fields behind a horse. Henry's parents instilled many good, strong values into him growing up, including helping others in need. By their example, Henry was always kind and generous to others throughout his life.

Henry was a good student in the Flint Kearsley Schools. After graduating, he went on to attend Calvin College in Grand Rapids, and worked at the hospital to pay for his living expenses. As fate would have it, Henry met a lovely young lady named Joan Schipper, who was also working at the hospital to get through school. The two very quickly became friends and then fell in love. They were happily married in 1954 and together they raised their children in loving and caring home. Sadly Joan died in 1984 at the young age of 54.

Henry, like so many other young men of the time, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War. After his discharge from the military, he and Joan eventually settled in and raised their family in the Flint area. Henry eventually went to work for his brother at his company called Clare Electric. From 1967 to 1987, Henry was a hard working and reliable employee, with a strong work ethic and a great sense of fairness for others. Outside of his job, Henry was a real craftsman and had built six homes for his family over the years. And through his generosity of spirit, he helped other family members build their houses as well.

Henry and Joan were the proud parents of two daughters: Lauren and Nancy and three sons: Stan, Roy and Marty. As a hardworking and devoted father, Henry was an excellent example to his children. He taught them strong values that would guide them through life, including to work hard and to care for others. Henry did everything he could so that his children had things better than he did growing up, and sacrificed much to put them through private Christian schools. But it wasn't just his time he gladly sacrificed for them; he also donated a kidney to his daughter Lauren with unconditional love. When it came time for a little get away, Henry often took his kids camping when they were younger. Henry was an amazing storyteller, although his children didn't truly appreciate his stories until later in life. These stories were passed down to his grandchildren, which now become treasures of the heart.

Aside from being a family man, Henry was a devout Christian and he lived his faith every day. He found great reverence in the traditional church worship, and instilled his faith in his children and grandchildren. Henry gladly gave of his time and talents to the churches he was involved with over the years. He volunteered countless hours building and wiring churches as well as serving on various committees and teaching. Henry's strong faith was truly a hallmark of his life.

Henry would find love again with a woman he had known for over 20 years. Both Henry and Carol Wells' children had gone to school together, and fate brought them together after all those years. They were married on November 25, 1989, at the Salvation Army in Flint. In 1998, the couple moved to Vicksburg, where they enjoyed married life together in the peaceful surroundings of their home, which Henry, of course, built. A truly down to earth man, Henry was one of those very special people you hope you will have the good fortune to meet one day. He had a real soft spot for animals and had raised dogs over the years, like his father had done. And most importantly, he loved his family and God. Henry led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. He was a gifted and talented man who used his abilities to make a wonderful life for his family as well as helping those less fortunate. His years of dedicated work afforded him both a happy place in life, and a family that loved him dearly.

Henry Visser went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, January 7, 2007. Learn more about Henry, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday, January 11, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 409 South Main in Vicksburg. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 12, at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene.

Members of Henry's family include his wife, Carol; 3 children: Stan and his wife Lori Visser of Flushing, Roy and his wife Tammy Visser of Indiana, and Marty and his wife Shannon Visser of Flint. Other members include 3 stepchildren: Mark and his wife Lori Wells of Ohio, Carla Bozeman of East Lansing, Bruce and Marcy Wells of PA; 16 grandchildren; Ryan, Daniel, Malori, Sonia, David, Amber, Kayla, Alexandra, Samantha, Zachary, Dereck, Whitney, Kierra, Micayla, Josiah, Molly, 11 brothers and sisters: Clare and his wife Alice, Aleta and her husband Loyd Whitaker, John, Don and his wife Lorraine, Paul and his wife Margaret, Bob and his wife Newana, Grace and her husband Jim Van Dyke, Frank and his wife Janice, Dave and his wife Beverly, Ken and his wife Nancy, and Ray and wife Sue; and many nieces and nephews. Henry follows in death his 2 daughters, Nancy and Lauren, and his first wife, Joan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo of Henry or sign the online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or the Salvation Army.