East Lansing, MI
Rev. Van Sipe was born September 2, 1924 in Alpena, Michigan and woke up in Glory April 27, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd G. and Edna Mae (Dagner) Van Sipe; wife Charlotte in 2006; and his brother Ronald L. Van Sipe in 1988. He was very dedicated to his family and will be greatly missed. He is survived by 1 daughter; Judy Lynne (Adrian) Breting of Muskegon, 1 son; Rodney Lee (Lorraine) Van Sipe of Bath, 5 grandchildren; Brandon (Leslie) Breting of Chicago, IL, Aaron Breting of Muskegon, Chelsea Van Sipe, Ryan Van Sipe, Jarod Van Sipe all of Bath, brother-in-law; Roland (Ruby) Behnke of Midland, sisters-in-law; Gertrude Krueger of Joliet, IL, Lucille Van Sipe of Traverse City and several nieces and nephews. He graduated from Alpena High School and from Anderson (College) University in 1948. He faithfully served his country with the Merchant Marines during WWII. He declined an offer to play baseball for the Cincinnati Reds in order to pursue his journey with his ministry which began in Petoskey in 1948. He served as Pastor in Ithaca from 1950-1970 and was very involved in community activities. He began serving as Pastor at the Pennway Church of God in 1970 and continued until his death. Earl also served as Chaplain for the LPD for 20 years. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and sports as an avid baseball fan, enjoying golf and the MSU Spartans. Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, May 2, 2011 at Pennway Church of God with the Rev. Bill Miller and Rev. Dick Latham officiating. Visitation will be Saturday 2-4 and 6-8, Sunday 2-5 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing and 1 hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Pennway Church of God in memory of Rev. Van Sipe. On line condolences may be sent at: www.gorslineruncimanlansing.com
Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, MI.
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