Richard "Chief" Schipper Sr.

Schipper, Richard "Chief" Sr. Dick was born October 30, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, son of the late Ari and Katie (Van Tickelt) Schipper. He passed away June 14, 2021. He was a lifelong resident of Comstock, where he owned and operated two full-service gas stations. In 1952, Dick joined the Comstock Fire Department as a volunteer Fireman. Dick was promoted to Fire Chief in 1965, where he spent the rest of his career at Comstock's North Fire Station, retiring in 1990. During his career, he was President of the Kalamazoo County Fire Chief's Association, President and Life Member of Western Michigan Fire Chief's Association, and board member of Michigan State Fire Chief's Association, as well as several other organizations. Although proud and dedicated to his time in the Fire Service, his LOVE for family and friends was never superseded. Dick had a passion for deer hunting, camping, and fishing, all with family and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Johanna, and daughter, Teresa. He married Lois (Stenzel), his high school sweetheart in 1952, who survives. Together, they traveled to 48 states and spent over 30 winters on Anna Maria Island, Florida. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Linda Schipper; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Comstock Firefighter's Association, 1960 River Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048. Private interment with family will take place. Please visit Dick's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com