Merle Jean Schaap

Merle Jean (DePree) Schaap completed her earthly journey and went home to her Heavenly Father on June 2, 2024, at the age of 107. She was a resident of The Inn at Freedom Village, Holland Michigan, at the time of her death. Merle was born November 9, 1916, in Zeeland Michigan, the second of seven children born to D.J. and Nellie (Miller) Depree. She graduated from Zeeland High School in 1934 and from Hope College in 1938. She was a teacher in Zeeland and later worked in publishing in Chicago. On February 21, 1948, she married Glenn M. Schaap. They raised three children together and were married for 60 years at the time of his passing in 2008. Their first home was outside Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Merle and Glenn made their home in Lansing from 1951 to 2006. They were charter members of Maranatha Baptist Church where Merle sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years.

As her three children grew up in Lansing, Merle was a member of the PTA, served as room mother, and supported her kids in all their activities. A gracious hostess, Merle welcomed many into her home to share a meal and fellowship. She was extremely generous with her time and resources, supporting churches, missionaries, and her favorite charities. In retirement, the Schaaps spent winters at their condo in Marco Island Florida, where they attended Marco Presbyterian Church. In 2006 Merle and Glenn moved to Freedom Village, a senior living community in Holland, Michigan. Prior to the pandemic, Merle regularly attended Christ Memorial Church.

Merle was predeceased by her husband, Glenn, and her daughter, Ann Caldwell. She was also predeceased by her parents D. J. and Nellie DePree and six siblings Hugh Depree, Betty VanKley, Helen Peck, Max DePree, Barbara DePree, and John DePree. She is survived by two sons, Steven (Kathleen) of San Diego, CA, and Joel (Paula Shuler) of Longmont, CO. Merle is also survived by four grandchildren, Harry Caldwell (Willow Green), Andrew Caldwell (Anjula), Erin Carlson, and Alexander Schaap (Diana); three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Zoe and Michael; her sister-in-law, Esther DePree, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will take place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Freedom Village Auditorium, 6th Floor, 145 Columbia Ave. Holland, MIchigan 49423.

Memorial Contributions may be given to David’s House Ministries, Grand Rapids MI or AWANA International, Chicago, IL.