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William VanRiper Obituary
VAN RIPER, WILLIAM "BILL" WOODWARD
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 86, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born July 6, 1928 in Toledo, OH, the son of Everett G. and Grace (Woodward) Van Riper. Bill was part of Chelsea High School class of 1947, and attended grade school "Pumpkin College". Bill and Dottie met after a basketball game while Bill was stationed at Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Dottie then joined the USO to see more of Bill. He was in radio communications for the Army Air Force while he was deployed in Okinawa. During his time in the Army, he dreamed of farming and was a proud farmer his whole life. The Van Riper farm was named "Dottie-O-Dairy Ranch" in Dottie's honor. He was chosen "Outstanding Farmer of the Year" 1960-61 by the Chelsea Jaycees. Bill was Lima Township Supervisor for several years, and served on the Zoning Board, Planning Commission, and Washtenaw County Conservation Board. He was a member of the MMPA, Farm Bureau, and Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. He married Dorothy "Dottie" Haider on November 19, 1949 in Long Branch, NJ and she preceded him in death on June 11, 2012. Survivors include seven children, Linda (Gary) White of Munith, Becky (Steve) Schultz of Ann Arbor, Jeff (Bridgette) Van Riper of Chelsea, Cindy (Dennis) Fischhaber of Chelsea, Billy Van Riper of Chelsea, Gina (Kyle Corser) Van Riper of Unadilla, and Michael (Lisa) Van Riper of Chelsea. Bill was known as "Bumpa" to his 16 grandchildren; Colt White, Kori Munson, Dusty White, Angie White, Nikki Quillen, Eric Van Riper, Zachary Powers, DJ Fischhaber, Tyler Fischhaber, Jake Fischhaber, Toni Chevrette, Tara Van Riper, Taylor Van Riper, Gage Van Riper, Bria Van Riper, Jada Van Riper. He had 16 great-grandchildren and two more on the way. His surviving siblings include Nancy Kiel, Mary Ellen Pierson-Twitchell, Pat Dubois. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gordon Van Riper, Philip Van Riper, and a sister, Virginia Czarnecki. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 14, 11 AM at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road Chelsea, MI 48118 with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
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Memories and Condolences
for William VanRiper
Jerry Krummrey
December 8, 2014
To the VanRiper Family,
I was looking in the obituary for a friends passing and saw the news. I want to say I met and worked for the dairy as their nutritionist. Bill introduced me to Spartan One, the first dairy ration software analyzing program to run on a computer in the United States. I taught him chemistry and nutrition at his basement home office and he taught me the MSU fight song that played on the ration balancing program!!
Thanks for the memories, Bill
Sincerely,
Jerry Krummrey BS MS licensed Dairy Nutritionist
Eula Eddy
September 28, 2014
To the VanRipper family I am truly sorry for the loss of you father prayers are with you all
September 8, 2014
Helen E. Hause.
I am so sorry to read Bill's obit on line... Sorry that I can't be there.....Bless you all....
September 6, 2014
Dearest Gina - I am sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of you - have thought of you many times.
August 18, 2014
Van Riper family - thinking of you. Sorry, to here about your dad. I meet Bill out at Schultz's pond years ago and it was a pleasure talking with him. He sure had a lot of stories to tell. If you need anything. Please, give me a call. Love Popcorn
Earl & Kay Heller
August 13, 2014
Our prayers go out to the entire VanRiper family. What a wonderful legacy Dad has left in this community, we were fortunate to have known him for many, many years. So sorry that we can not be with you for the service, please know you are in our hearts during this difficult time.
August 13, 2014
Just heard the news today. Sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Uncle Bill.
Ray, from Jersey.
Tom & Martha Forner
August 13, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jeri (Hafner) Torrice
August 12, 2014
Jeff and Bridgette,
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your treasured family memories.
Rick Parsons
August 12, 2014
So Sorry For Your Loss Our Payers go out to your Family.
Daniel Schnaidt
August 11, 2014
My condolences to the VanRiper Family. Sorry for you loss. Bill & Dottie were wonderful people & I felt fortunate to know them both.
Mary Alber
August 11, 2014
Linda, Becky and families- So sorry for your loss, what a great guy- He will be missed! Keep your good memories close during the following days.
Gail Holleran
August 11, 2014
Becky and Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. Treasure all the great memories.
August 10, 2014
I have many great memories being at Dottie-O-Dairy farm with Rod Sweeny. Uncle Bill & Aunt Dot will forever be in my thoughts.
Love, Tammy Boggs (Sweeny)
JUNIOR GOVERNOR 1253 GUENTHER
August 10, 2014
Moose Lodge 1253 sends condolences to the Vanriper family. Bill was a great guy.
Cindy Miller-Horn
August 9, 2014
So sorry for the loss of great father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be missed by all.
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