Schippers, John (Willie) 1921-2009

SCHIPPERS, POPMA, KOOPMANS, ENGLEMAN, CLARY

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/13/2010 at 10:52:41

John Schippers was born Willie Schipers on November 9, 1921, south of Pella, Iowa. He was the youngest of five children that were born to Andrew and Alida Popma Schippers.

John lived in this vicinity during his childhood years and attended the Pleasant Grove Country Grade School. During World War II he served with the United States Navy.

John was united in marriage with Betty J. Koopmans and to this union a daughter, Connie Sue, was born.

John was a pilot and self-employed during his lifetime. He farmed near New Sharon, Iowa and for many years was in sales. He owned and operated car washes, sand and gravel pits and heavy equipment.

On June 4, 1980, he was united in marriage with Nancy Joan Engleman Clary. John and Joan made their residence in Arkansas. John enjoyed fishing and traveling. When returning to Pella, Iowa he often brought fruit to share with family and friends. Most importantly he will be remembered for his strong political convictions which he shared publicly.

On Friday evening, May 15, 2009, he passed away at his residence in Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 6 days.

Surviving are his wife, Joan Schippers of Rogers, Arkansas and her two sons and their family: Justin Clary of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kent Clary and his wife, Melissa and their two daughters, John’s granddaughters, Courtney and Brittany of Pearidge, Arkansas; his daughter, Connie Sue and her husband, Larry Myers of Pella, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Jennie (Francis) Schippers of Pella; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Alida Schippers; his two sisters and two brothers: Henrietta (Bastiaan) Goemaat, Leonard (Alice) Schippers, Francis Schippers and M. Magdalene (Harold) Groeneweg. John was affiliated with the Church of the Open Bible.

Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa

Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home