Rev. Jonathan Loper

Went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday morning, January 28, 2020. Jon was born November 29, 1961 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of the late Harrison and Zilda (Grannis) Loper. He started his education at Burr Oak Elementary before continuing on to Central High School. After entertaining many in the community as the lead in school musicals and plays, he graduated in 1979. After high school, Jon attended Grand Rapids Junior College for two years before completing his degree at Grand Valley State, where he graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor's in Economics. He went on to briefly work as a securities broker until PepsiCo lured him into the fast paced world of retail management. In 1992, he decided to jump off that fast track and start His and Hers Painting Company with his wife, Marijo. The company did quite well until half of the company went on maternity leave. Again entering corporate America, he worked turning struggling Arby's restaurants around into profitable retail establishments. In1994, the Lord called Jon into ministry. He enrolled at Western Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1997 with his Master's of Divinity. After his ordination in June 1997, God called Jon to his first church, Greenleafton Reformed Church in Preston, Minnesota. He faithfully served there until 2003, when God called him back to Michigan to serve at Greenwood Reformed Church. There he followed God's will for sixteen years. In addition to his work in ministry, Jon was licensed as a general contractor. He built his family's home in 2004 as well as helped numerous friends and church family members with everything from door installation and deck building to plumbing repair and electrical wiring. Jon enjoyed wood working, binge watching tv, rooting for the Detroit Lions and traveling, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. On April 15, 1991 he was united in marriage to his loving wife Marijo (Reiffer), who survives. Also surviving are his children, Justin Kamphuis, Holly Loper (Charlie Newlin), Jessica Loper; his father-in-law, Ronald (Kay) Reiffer; brothers and sister, Harrison "Sonny" (Tracy) Loper, Doug (Shelley) Loper, Greg Loper, Lucinda "Sis" (Art) Trowbridge; and many loved nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Loper. Friends may meet the family Sunday afternoon February 2, from 2:00-4:00pm and from 12:00-2:00pm Monday, February 3 at The Bridge Church, 7200 Angling Road where a service to celebrate Jon's life will be held at 2:00pm. The interment ceremony will be held Tuesday February 4, at 2:00 pm at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Greenwood Reformed Church to assist the family with medical expenses and funeral costs. To view Jon's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com