Name: Cook Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Grandville Chapel
Address: Grandville, MI

Dear Fran, So sorry to see the loss of your brother in the paper. We know that he is in a better place now and that the pain, etc. of the past few years are well behind him. WE hope that Marva and his children will find peace through prayer. Sorry that we are unable to attend his funeral but our prayers will be with you. Alah and Bim

 Posted by NoraldBim & Alah Holt - Shelby, MI March 24, 2005

Dear Marva & Family. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family.It is a difficult time for all.Bill spoke of Von often when seeing him at the YMCA.I know that being surrounded by friends and family is the most comforting experience you can have.

 Posted by June Richter - Hudsonville, MI March 24, 2005

I met and knew Von when I worked for Dave Carpenter and Freeman Visser in the Michigan National Bank Building. He was one of the nicest men I knew and was saddened to hear of his passing. I will remember him in my prayers and I'm sorry for your loss.

 Posted by Sylvia Sampson - Wyoming, MI March 24, 2005

As the former Mayor in the City of Walker, I will always hold Von's friendship, dedication and service to his community in my highest regard. He will truly be missed!

 Posted by Don & Gerri Knottnerus - Pierson, MI March 24, 2005

Marva and June, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Von was one of my brother Bobs best friends. When I think of my brother, Von was always there by his side.
 Peace to you all.
 Herb and Bonnie Carlson

 Posted by Herb Carlson & Bonnie - Petoskey, MI March 24, 2005

Dear Marva and Family, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I didn't know Von well but in my opinion he was a real gentleman who will be missed by many.

 Posted by Marcia Earhart - Cedar Springs, MI, MI March 24, 2005

Von worked with my father Arthur Bishop when he built homes, Modern Home Builder. Von's office does our income-tax even now. My father died in July of last year.God-Bless you and your familyAlan son & Harriet Bishop

 Posted by Alan & Harriet Bishop - Grand Rapids, MI March 25, 2005

Dear Marva, Babe and Jeremy:
 We were so, so sorry to hear of Von's passing. Please know that our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. Von will be greatly missed by all of us in Ludington this year.

 Posted by Larry & Jan Vega - Grand Rapids, MI March 25, 2005

It was a fortunte day for me when I first met Von. I will sorely miss him, but he left me with a lifetime of wonderful memories

 Posted by Harry C. Gravelyn - Bokeelia, FL March 25, 2005

March 25, 2005 Dearest Dad: 
 The words don't seem to come very easy at this time, but I will try to express, in a small way, how I feel. I will never play golf again, without having you on my mind. We always enjoyed getting outside and having a competitive game between each other, Jeremy, Uncle Orren,Uncle Dick, Scott, and any other golfer who dared take us on. As a child, you would raze me out of bed to take the trash out to the outside burn barrel, because I didn't get it done before you arrived home from work. I never enjoyed being out in the blizzards in my pjs waiting for the trash to burn down to a level that I could leave alone, but it only took a couple of times, before I had it done in time. Doing the dishes with Marcia we still laugh about this who always seemed to put the dishes away semi-wet, and you always seemed to catch it and we both would have to dry every dish and glass in the cabinets, even though my job was to wash the dishes. That probably only happened once or twice, but with you that was all we needed. A lesson learned. Making sure our beds were made so that you could bounce a quarter on the bedding, cleaning off the top of the refrigerator, so that it would pass the white glove test. You are a great example of following through with orders and I believe that your two little colonels learned by your example. There are so many wonderful memories, just to name a few: girls learning how to wash a car, using a shoe horn, washing the bathroom faucet off after each use to avoid water spots and the dreaded tooth paste spots, cleaning the toothpaste spray off of the mirror, shutting doors without slamming them, standing at attention when someone was addressing us, looking people in the eye when they were speaking to you, not speaking unless we were spoken to first as children, always trying to look out for the underdog, standing straight and tall with our shoulders back even though as girls with breasts, we wanted to slouch. Getting married as a young girl wasnA't the number one priority for me, maybe because I didnA't think that I would ever be able to find someone as caring, thoughtful, witty, smart and skilled as you were in my heart and mind. Ultimately, I did find someone and I know that he too has many of your traits. I always looked up to you, respected your positions and opinions, and enjoyed gleaning information about anything and/or everything from you. It has always been a joy to watch you tend for, love, look after, and enjoy Mom. No one could have loved her any better, or any more. Your great big grins when she would do something you enjoyed, like a great meal, skill at a board game Hippensteel version of Aggravation chipping one in, or sinking a nice putt A"way to go HawkeyeA". I know how much your grandchildren, Shanna, Tobin, Tatum & Traci, adored and respected you, along with all your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I will miss your laugh and the special little squeezes on the neck you used to give me, along with so many little things I canA't even think of. Through my tears and breaking heart I promise you that I will do my very best to always be the daughter you wanted me to be. I will try to be as loving, considerate, giving, forgiving and thoughtful as you always were and I know that you will be reaching out to help me along the way. 
 I donA't know if Jeremy will be able to add his own thoughts to this missive, but you know that he loved you like a brother and he too will be deeply changed by the massive hole you have left in our lives. 
 Goodbye for now, but know that you are always on my mind and in my heart. Our first and every "cold one" on the beach will be with fond memories of you and your great big smile.
 I Love You Dad ILY Skeetz one of your little A"wormsA" Marva Lee Skeetz Hippensteel-Hickman Jenison, MI bogenot@hotmail.com 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 23, 2005 Hi Dad, Your battle is over and I am truly thankful for that. I trust you have presented your hand to our Savior and are resting in some beautiful place. I will miss your broad smile, happy laugh and your energy. You were the first man in my life and I will forever be grateful for all you have given and taught me. I will miss the ability to speak to your physical self; however, know you will be listening when I pray. I have wonderful memories and will warmly embrace all of them. Cottage, golf, piano, violin, black cars, the big white house, water skiing, down hill skiing, Bimbos, teaching me to climb a tree in our yard, shoe horns, your dislike for pleated pants, purple, brown slippers, the register, fishing, CWM, nightime music to lull us to sleep, the garden, salmon patties, your bright blue eyes, your office at the house, picking you up at AS with mom and Skeetz, buying the Cutlass, my wedding and you bringing home my dress & questioning the price, Slo Mo, the black SlickCraft, boathouse, dancing with you often, Optimist Christmas parties, Three Crowns, your gray kit, breakfast at the golf course, my children's nicknames, the day I became engaged and you asking me those questions I can still hear your voice, potatoe soup in our dinette, the back porch, the new front porch, the calls to CMU from you, accounting class, keyboard, lots of laughter, trips to Ann Arbor, cement, Disney, calling Crum, red snapper, dinner out was always on you, riding the bike built for two in the snow, just to name a few. I will always hold your memory dear to my heart and will forever be thankful I had you for a dad. I was the lucky one. You were so special. This isn't goodbye for I will see you again someday. You've just gone on ahead of me. With love, admiration and great respect, Shosh Marcia DeVries devriesbracing@sbcglobal.net 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 23, 2005 My best memory was going to the cottage on Big Star Lake with Tatum when we were kids. Von always treated me as if I was one of his own grandchildren. I remember thinking he reminded me of Johnny Carson, I think it must have been his great smile. I haven't seen him in a long time but I will always remember that great smile and what a great man, husband, father, grandfather and great grand father he was. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Kim Meinema Grand Rapids, MI kmeinema@yahoo.com

 Posted by Marva L Skeetz Hickman - Jenison, MI March 25, 2005

March 25, 2005 Hi Gramp, I have to tell you I never really thought this day was going to come. I thought if anyone could beat this, it was you. I keep going over in my head the last few conversations we had. You were saying goodbye. I want you to know you don't have to worry about me. When I find the right someone he'll be modeled after the best examples a girl could have; you, my dad, Tob and my uncle Bill. I know I'm selfish in wishing you could be around to see my wedding and children but I know you will be there in my heart. My time at the cottage with you was so precious. You and gram were always so wonderful in opening your home to all of us. I'll always remember our talks, reading side by side on the couch, playing aggravation and golfing with you every weekend. Even though you always beat me. I'll miss hearing you call out to Grandma to turn down the bed with a little twinkle in your eyes every time you said it. I'll miss you calling out "Mumma have you eaten yet?" Grandma saying to you "Boy have you taken your pills?" and you answering "No Mumma thanks for reminding me." I find solace in knowing that I was able to give you my home and you were comfortable there. I know that time for you and Gram was what you needed. I was so lucky to be a part of your life and to be one of so many who's life would have been deeply lacking without your presence. I will always love you and miss you. Please keep smiling down on me. I love you, Tate Tatum Hickman Grandville, MI hickmantatum@msn.com

 Posted by Tatum Tateybug Hickman - Grandville, MI March 25, 2005

Marva & Family You have our deepest sympathy. Von was a real good friend. Bud & Nina Zoet

 Posted by Bud & Nina Zoet - Grand Rapids, MI March 25, 2005

Von has been a friend of mine since 1965 ---- and I have yet to meet anyone who has as rosy a disposition as does Von! Yes, as does not didVon ---because he will continue to inspire me in my heart and in my memories. I am sure he will render the same gift to his terrific family. Much love to you all!

 Posted by David F. Carpenter - Lowell, MI March 26, 2005

Mrs. M. Hippensteel,
 My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I did not know you and your husband for very long but I feel fortunate to have known the both of you for at least some time. I am the song leader at Lake Community Bible Church and will surely miss Von. I did talk to him approximately a week before you two left for Florida. I am glad that he got to see his brothers and their wives for the last time in Florida. My sympathies are with you and may God give you His peace.

 Posted by Fred VanHouten - Baldwin, MI March 26, 2005

Dear Gramp,
 Yesterday afternoon we laid you to rest and it was so painful. Despite the sunny day, which I know you ordered up special for Gramma and the rest of us, it was such a sad moment for me and all. I didnA't want to say goodbye and, although I knew that it was impossible to do otherwise, I definitely didnA't want to leave you there in that cemetery. I canA't imagine life on this earth without you here. I have no idea what life has in store for me and the rest of the family, but one thing is certain, the void left in our hearts can never be filled. The paradox is that while I feel a void from my life because you passed away, I also feel my heart filled with joy because I had you as a Grandpa. I am so lucky to have had you in my lifeA....I wish I would have told you and shown you more often. Feeling regretful is not productive, I know, but I canA't help feel remorseful for not seeing you one last time before you went to Florida. I wish I could have been there with you when your pain was finally lifted, but God had other plans. He knew that you needed to be with your siblings and Gram. In my heart of hearts, I guess I believed you were well enough to make the journey home, alive. I had no idea that your destiny lurked around the corner. I am sorry, for myself I guess, I couldnA't hug you one last time. I miss you so much. 
 One thing that I never was able to share, that I wish I could have before, is that I really do appreciate you. I appreciate the kindness that you extended to everyone that ever crossed your path. You have led a life of greatness that I know we should all aspire to. Your love for Gram was always evident and unwavering. I loved watching and listening to the two of you caring for one another. Your love for each other has always inspired me and when I married Mike, I knew I had a chance for a deep love and partnership, one like yours and Grams. I hope that Mike and I live long enough to build a life as rich and beautiful as you and Gram. You have always been a good person to all the family, friends and even friends of friends. It didnA't matter to you who, what, why or when, you treated everyone with the utmost respect and dignity. YouA've set the bar high, Gramp, and I promise that I will do my very best to live my life in a way that would make you proud. 
 Gramp, I love you so much it hurts. I promise to look after Gram. I am worried about her. She is so sad, I know she will need support from all of us and I will do my part, I swear! Thanks for the memories, Gramp. I will see you in my dreams.
 Love, always, Traci
 Save me a seat, Grandpa
 Dearest Gramp, it's been over week since you went away. Gramp, I miss you more and more each day. It seems like a dream that never ends; you were loved so deeply by your many friends. I know in my heart, you're in a better place, But it's hard not to see your handsome face. I knew in my heart that the day was nearing fast, The Lord was calling you home at last. But I still had hopes, a miracle would be, and you would get well, so I could see, you once again, the way you were before but that cancer took you far from shore. I guess I'm being selfish for wanting you here; God needed you more, he needed you up there. So goodbye, loving Grandpa, thanks for the ride Some day we'll meet on the other side, Until that time, when we shall meet, I love you Gramp, save me a seat.

 Posted by Traci Simon Hickman - Grandville, MI March 27, 2005

Dear Uncle Von, 
 You have touched my life in many ways in the many years I have had the honor to know you, and I know you touched so many: family, friends and many others I will never know. I remember early on when I was young and either Grandma Hip or Mom told me the story about you getting wounded in WWII, what you had to go through in your painful therapy the long recovery process you had to endure. I never talked to you about this period of time, but I hope I remembered to thank-you for your service to our country. I remember the summers I mowed your lawns, all three lotsA...Dad would drop me off in the mornings, sometimes I would take a break and go over to watch Grampa Hip work a house he was building next door or across the streetA...and you would come by around lunch time and take me to Buds for a burger and malt. I remember SaturdayA's in the fall after the BSL summer season was over working with you painting your rental homes and listening to the U of M games on the radio. When we were youngsters I remember the many times at Big Star Lake; learning how to water ski, everyone was always welcome, sleeping on the floor or anywhere we could find a spot with others up for the night or weekend. Later on when I was a little older and Dad & Mom had their own place at BSL, I remember the many weekends full of playing golf and dirt bikes, getting in trouble when I sometimes got back to the cottage a little too late for dinner. I remember the bowling team we had with Dad, other Uncles and friends. You were the one who sat me down and talked about career paths, the importance of going to college or learn a trade or skill, that money is not everything and if you find something you love to do and can develop a passion for, you will be much happier and the money will come; you were right as usual. The talks with you were what motivated me to go back to college, get my undergrad degree and I ended up going into a career similar to yours in banking/finance. You were always available the many times I had to tap into your knowledge regarding a technical corporate finance or tax question, and I really think you liked the challenge of testing your knowledgeA...you always had the answer. I am so glad I was able to see you again just before you went down to Florida this final time; I was hoping to see you again but it just was not to be. We each have our memories of you to treasure and so you have not really left us. IA'm thankful you are a believer and so I will get to see you again when it is my time to join you. Thanks for being a good Uncle, role model and someone I always looked up to. With love, honor and respect, David Beckett Grand Rapids, MI dabeckett52@yahoo.com 
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 Posted by David Beckett - Grand Rapids, MI March 30, 2005

OBITUARY

Von J. Hippensteel

August 13, 1925 – March 14, 2005

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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