Lori Wittkopp

Lori Jean Wittkopp was a loving wife, invested mother, cherished daughter, dear sister and delightful friend. Her energy for life was enormous and her capacity for love was even greater. Her family meant the world to her, and she made life good for everyone around her. To her students, she was both educator and cheerleader. To her friends and colleagues, she was genuine and caring. Her invincible spirit and her unshakable faith continue to encourage all who had the privilege of knowing Lori. Lori Jeans story began during a decade of radical change in America. Despite war protests on college campuses and the deaths of key political leaders, the United States made gains in the civil rights movement and in the space race with the first moon walk. In Shelby, Michigan, Kenneth and Susan (Carnes) Speer welcomed Lori Jean into their hearts and lives on February 7, 1968. Ken worked as a printer at Rogers Printing while Susan worked for Muskegon public schools. Along with her older brothers Brian, Ken and Mike and her younger sister Amy, Lori spent her early years in Northern Muskegon County and attended Whitehall schools. When she was in 3rd grade, the family moved to Muskegon, settled into life on Southern Avenue and found a spiritual home in nearby Olivet Church. As she became involved in the church and sang in the choir, Lori developed a strong and abiding faith that encouraged her for years to come. Attending Muskegon public schools, Lori applied herself to her studies and her trumpet skills to the Muskegon High School marching band. In her senior year, she made a decision that reflected her eagerness for adventure. Having met an exchange student from Denmark, she decided to follow him back to Denmark after graduation in 1986. Perhaps more extraordinary was her decision to pass up a scholarship to Taylor University. Yet, after a year abroad, Lori returned to Muskegon, took an apartment in the Lakeside area and worked various jobs, including one at Fashion Bug. Soon enough, she was meeting and making new friends. It was during these years when she first met Patrick Wittkopp working at Vans Car Wash. The two hit it off right away and made a first date to a movie at the Harbor Theater in November of 1987. That was the beginning of a four-year dating relationship filled with such fun as downhill skiing and snowmobiling. On a serious note, Pat decided to continue his education and finally convinced Lori to go back to school as well. She earned a teaching degree from Grand Valley State University and later went on to receive her Masters Degree from Western Michigan University. She landed a teaching job in White Cloud, Michigan and commuted daily from Muskegon. On May 9, 1992, Lori and Pat were married at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Muskegon and settled into a small house in Norton Shores. In 1995, Lori took a position at Reeths Puffer Schools in Muskegon and taught kindergarten for 14 years before switching to the 2nd grade. She loved to teach and loved her students, inspiring them to be the best they could be. Additionally, she was friends with many of her fellow teachers, and they took time for each other both on and off the job. Always caring and helpful, Lori could be counted on to lend a hand to someone in need of food or clothing or money. Her motto was: Be a blessing to someone today. Lori certainly was. Rich blessing came into Lori and Pats life when, after trying to have children and seeking medical help, she gave birth to son Matthew in 1996 and daughter Morgan in 1998. Lori was a wonderful and caring mother, involved in all aspects of her childrens lives and encouraging them in whatever they did. She also liked to have fun as a family, so many spring break trips were spent in Mexico, Jamaica, Florida and other places. Because everyone liked sun and surf, the family invested in several boats for water sports and relaxation. They even took regular trips across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, where they had memorable times with good friends. When she and Pat bought a beautiful home on Bear Lake, they could enjoy the water all the more at any time. Loris friendships included a large circle of women who got together often to scrapbook or throw home parties, such as Tupperware and Longaberger Baskets sales. She hosted her family on the holidays and for many other functions. Having come from a large extended family on her mothers side, Lori was intent on getting together often. She rallied her family around sporting events, football in particular, and she and Pat had the privilege of attending pro football games at 12 different stadiums around the country. Since her fathers influence in childhood, Lori had been a devoted football fan of the Detroit Lions and then later the University of Michigan. On game day, the competition was so intense that the family had to declare Amnesty Sunday, meaning anyone could yell anything at the TV screen without consequences. In January of 2013, Lori slipped on the ice and suffered a concussion. When her condition didnt heal after several months, further diagnostic tests were performed. Sadly, they revealed lung cancer for which Lori received chemotherapy and many other treatments. She retired from teaching in 2014 and battled the disease hard. She became part of several cancer survivor groups in the area and had a team of supporters called Wittkopps Warriors, who helped with fundraisers. Lori didnt let the disease get her down and managed to check off several items from her bucket list, including parasailing and zip-lining. Lori was further upheld by the people of First Lutheran Church, where she and her family were members. As her health declined, Loris faith remained stronga true legacy for the family she loved with all her heart. Mrs. Lori Jean Wittkopp, age 47, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2015 surrounded by her family. She will be greatly missed. SURVIVORS Husband of 23 years, Patrick; son, Mathew Wittkopp; daughter, Morgan Wittkopp; parents, Ken & Sue Speer of North Muskegon; brothers, Ken Speer of Muskegon, Brian Speer of Grand Haven, Mike (Becky) Speer of Muskegon; sister, Amy (Matt) Strand of North Muskegon; parents-in-law, Michael & Diane Wittkopp of Norton Shores; sister-in-law, Kathy (Paul) Lachmann of Grand Haven; brother-in-law, Michael (Michele) Wittkopp Jr. of Grand Haven; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a thousand students. SERVICE Monday, June 29, 2015, 2:00 pm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. VISITATION Sunday, June 28, 2015, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Road. MEMORIAL: Wittkopp Children Education Fund or Harbor Hospice.