George “Skip” J. Schippers, Jr.

George “Skip” J. Schippers, Jr., age 90 of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 29, 2023. He was born on July 29, 1932 in Grand Haven, MI to the late George and Harriet (Dillenback) Schippers, Sr. Skip met the love of his life, Bonnie Ryder, in 1947 at the age of 15. They were married five years later on January 10, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, and their marriage was blessed with four children. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2021 after 68 years of marriage.

Skip lived in West Michigan, primarily in Robinson Twp., where he served on the planning commission for 33 years. He proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Dixie from 1951 to 1954, during the Korean Conflict. Following his tour of duty in the Navy, Skip worked for Peel Brother’s Trucking for eight years, and then Associated Truck Lines for over 25 years. After retirement, he substituted as a bus driver for Grand Haven Area Public Schools.

Skip was a long-time member of the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. He had a fondness for all things aviation. He held a pilot’s license for many years and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Skip was the proud owner of many planes and even constructed his own landing strip in his back yard. He loved restoring vintage planes and tractors.

Skip was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who spent his leisure time gardening, fishing, tending to his horses, taking trips to the casino, water-skiing and traveling with his family. Having a love and talent for wood working, he could frequently be found in his pole barn constructing or repairing projects.

Skip is survived by his four children and their spouses, Jo Ann (Butch) Kosanic, Jeanne (Robert) Wolniakowski, George Schippers, III, and Christine (Douglas) Frantz; his sisters, Frances (Edward) Hushyn and Ethel (Glenn) Engle; and his brothers, Jimmy (Laura) Schippers, Ronny Schippers, and Donny (Tina) Schippers. Also very close to his heart are his seven grandchildren: Robert (Holly) Wolniakowski, Amy Frantz, Jason (April) Wolniakowski, Thomas (Amanda) Kosanic, Nicholas Frantz, Rachel Wolniakowski, and Geena Kosanic; and seven great-grandchildren: Owen, Adelyn, Emerie, Georgia, and Caroline Wolniakowski, and Harleigh and Ryder Kosanic.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Schippers; sisters, Dorothy Hatfield, Margorie Molenkamp, and Alice Fitkin; and brother, Joseph Schippers.

The family would like to thank Grand Pines Assisted Living Center and Careline Hospice for their care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial for George will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish, with Fr. Charles Schwartz officiating. Full Military Honors to be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitations will be held the evening prior on Monday, February 6th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish.

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