Richard A. Schaap

Richard Arthur Schaap, age 89, was welcomed into his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 25, 2026. Rich loved gardening, teaching, serving the church, fixing things, studying the Bible, fishing, capturing special moments, concerts and church services on his camcorder, the Cubs, his family, and most of all, Jesus. He will be deeply missed by daughters Linda Schaap, Kathy and Dan Kunnen and Esther and Jason Heerema; grandchildren Luke and Katie Kunnen (Alice), Brent and Kara Kunnen (Lydia and Rowan), Josh and Erica Kunnen (Violet), Aaron and Rachel Gronsman, Nolan and Emiliya Heerema (Lincoln), Elijah and Marcie Heerema, Levi Heerema, Ezekiel Heerema, and Filimon Ftwi Gebreytsadik; many precious nieces and nephews; and a whole host of family and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his wife Marcia, brother Luke (Pauline), sister Marge (Joe), oldest daughter Sandra Jean, granddaughter Sandy Marcia and great granddaughter Gwendolyn Faith Kunnen.

Richard was born to Dick and Esther Schaap on September 20, 1936. He graduated from Calvin College with his degree in education and earned his Master’s degree in education from Loyola University. Rich and Marcia met at a missions group at Calvin College and married in June of 1962. Rich faithfully served as a teacher at Roseland Christian School for 42 years. In the summers, you could find Rich in one of the two large fields in South Holland, tending his many vegetables and flowers. He was passionate about making sure his rows were straight and the weeds were removed, and his sweet corn was simply the best! Rich and Marcia lived in South Holland and raised their four daughters before they moved to Munster and eventually Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rich was dedicated to serving his Lord through his faithful actions and daily prayers.

We praise God that Rich is with Him, and we rest on the knowledge that God is our rock and our salvation. Rich’s greatest wish would be for you to know his Lord and Savior as your own so that one day, you many join him in glory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edison Christian Health Center for their love and care to Rich over the last five years.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to Edison Christian Life Services (https://www.edisonchristian.org/) or Roseland Christian Ministries (https://roselandchristianministries.org/)

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm at the Fellowship Hall of Hillside Community Church at 1440 68th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. A Funeral Service will be held at Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. South Holland, IL on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11am. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery - Lansing, IL. .