Search

Obituaries

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 86, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born July 6, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Everett G. & Grace (Woodward) Van Riper.

     Bill was part of Chelsea High School class of 1947, and attended grade school at “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, New Jersey and she preceded him in death on June 11, 2012.   Survivors include 7 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 was held Thursday, August 14, 11:00 am at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road  Chelsea, MI 48118 with Pastor Adam Summers officiating.  The family received friends from 10-11 am.  A luncheon was held at Chelsea Fairgrounds following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Arbor Hospice.  Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Click here to view or sign Bill's online guestbook