Ginny Visser

Ginny Visser lived a long, rich life committed to her family and the Lord. A loving mother and grandmother, Ginny was also a passionate minister and servant of God who devoted countless hours to sharing the word of the Lord and demonstrating the love of Jesus to everyone she met.

In 1938, the nation was still struggling to emerge from the shadow of the Great Depression and World War II loomed on the horizon. Families gathered around the radio to tune in to a variety of dramas and President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats. Superman made his first appearance in Action Comics. It was in this time of transition that Charles and Myrtle Nye welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ginny, on August 9, 1938.

Ginny grew up with her siblings Charles and Rachael in Gladwin, Michigan where her parents taught her the values that would guide Ginny throughout her life. Her father was a pastor who instilled in her a passion for sharing the word of God and her mother was a homemaker who demonstrated the virtues of love and devotion to family.

Ginny attended Delaney Elementary, Cherokee Junior High, and Boone High School. Ginny was a woman of many talents: she played softball and was musically inclined, playing the piano, organ and accordion during her school years and beyond. Ginny and her brother, Charles, sang in a duet at their high school graduation, and in later years, Ginny would share her musical gifts with her church where she played the piano.

Later, Ginny would receive her Bachelor’s degree from Bryan College. She left her mark on the school, having been a cheerleader for four years and written the school’s alma mater in 1960. The college also named Visser Hallway in her honor. Ginny continued her education, completing her Master’s in Physical Education at Michigan State University. As with so many things over the course of her life, Ginny shared the knowledge she gained over the course of her education by teaching Science and Physical Education classes at Harrison Park School, and Physical Education at a local community college.

In 1960, Ginny met Bruce Visser at Seventh Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. They became members of the church and dated for five years before marrying in 1965. Afterward, they honeymooned in Nassau, Bahamas. Throughout their time together, Bruce and Ginny remained committed members of Seventh Reformed Church and continued to enjoy winter trips down to sunny southern destinations, including Florida and the island of Aruba. The loving couple began their own family, and were blessed with three children: Debi, Rick and Ginger.

Ginny’s devotion to her family and her God were an inspiration to all who knew her. Her most precious possessions were her Bible, her husband, and her children and grandchildren. Through Ginny Jo ministries, she worked to distribute promise books so that others could be touched by the word of the Lord as she had been, and she shared her musical gifts with the Seventh Reformed Church choir. A nurturing mother, she was known for the roasts she would cook and her boundless love.

Ginny was an amazing mother and grandmother, and through over fifty years of marriage, a loving and devoted wife. She will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Ginny Visser, age 77, of Rockford, went to be with her Lord on Thursday March 17, 2016. Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Myrtle Nye. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce; also surviving are her children Debi (Bill) Mast, Rick (Shelly) Visser, Ginger (Heath) Baxter; grandchildren, Haley Mast, Lauren Mast, Wyatt Mast, Caleb Visser, Austin Visser, Kaitlyn Visser, Bryce Baxter, Peyton Baxter, McCoy Baxter; brothers and sisters, Charles (Becky) Nye, Rachael (Errol) Scogins; brothers and sisters in law, Dale (Marcia) Visser and Jack (Nella) Visser.

Ginny practiced and showed the love of Jesus through her mission work named Ginny Jo Ministries. Ginny spent numerous hours sharing with others and passing out promise books so all could have the word of the Lord. Ginny was musically inclined and shared her talents playing piano in church, and for recreation enjoyed playing softball. Ginny and Bruce spent winters in Florida and also time on the island of Aruba in the Caribbean. Ginny was a gift to all those who knew her and will be truly missed by family and friends. The funeral service for Ginny will be held on Monday, March 21, at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard Street NW, on Sunday, March 20, from 1-4 PM 6-8 PM and one hour prior to the service at church from 10-11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ginny’s memory may be made to Ginny Jo Ministries, 1946 Turner NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Ginny’s life story, sign her guestbook or to leave a memory.