Vernon Schutter

Known for his strong work ethic coupled with his spirit of generosity, Vernon Schutter was a blessing to countless others around him. He was never one to be concerned with building wealth, rather, he set his sights on living a life of integrity filled with love for others. Vernon was a devoted father who loved to dote over his grandchildren later in life, his family his greatest treasure. With an unwavering faith as his constant companion, he taught those around him what it means to be a man of faith by the way he lived his everyday life. Vernon will be dearly missed while his memory remains forever near and dear to those he leaves behind. The year 1929 is often remembered for the devastating crash of the stock market that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. Although the decade of the 1920s had been a prosperous one until that historic day in October, the 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have ever faced as a nation. Just prior to that historic crash, a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on July 27th. Vernon J. was the second of five children born to his parents, Jacob and Mary (DeYoung) Schutter, and he was raised alongside his older sister, Donna, and his younger siblings, Irvan, Kay, and Mary. Vernons formative years were spent in East Muskegon, Lapeer, and Kent City. His father was a farmer and brick layer while his mother was a homemaker who also helped on the farm and taught Sunday school. Every member of the Schutter family was important, and all of the children were responsible for helping out on the farm. Once all the chores were completed, Vernon and his siblings were often rewarded with things like a swim in the bay of Wolf Lake, listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio, or playing baseball or football. As a student he attended a one-room schoolhouse during his earliest years and later went on to Champion School. By the time Vernon was ready to begin high school he had decided that school wasnt a good fit for him. Instead, he did more work on his parents farm and also did other odd jobs. As a young man Vernon enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during the days of WWII. He was stationed in Guam as a sergeant with the 19th Air Supply Squadron. With his military duty fulfilled, Vernon returned to Michigan and did a variety of jobs. New and exciting days were in store for Vernon when he met the young woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Bernice, and although Vernons cousin was trying to win a date with her she only had eyes for Vernon. After dating for a time they were married in August of 1950. Together they were blessed with three sons, Carl, Roger, and Tim, and four daughters, Deb, Vicki, Lori, and Pam. Vernon and Bernice raised their children in Muskegon, Ravenna, Sparta, and Kent City. To support his family, Vernon had his own farm and worked as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Muskegon Heights. Before retiring later in life he put in more than 63 years as a farmer and more than 39 years for the City of Muskegon Heights. As a father Vernon was integral in shaping his children into the people who made him so very proud. He always taught his children to be hard workers, both in word and by the way he lived life, and also to be accountable and to do things right the first time. Vernon could often be found playing baseball and swimming with his children. It has been said that he threw a mean pitch. Spending time with extended family was something that Vernon always looked forward to with family reunions for both the Schutter and Deyoung families occurring fairly regularly. Although his marriage to Bernice later ended in divorce, he was forever grateful for the children they shared. In addition to his family, Vernon made the people in his life a priority. He was eager to spend as much time as he could with a couple of his closest friends, LaVern Dumis and Dan Byers. Vernon also took many a road trip with his son Carl and Wally. He was very actively involved at church, first at the Berean church and then at Coopersville Bible Church. Vernon was also an animal lover who had horses and hunting dogs. He would break horses when needed, and his children were quick to say that the Lone Ranger had nothing on Vernons riding skills. A bit later in life Vernon was happy to find love again in a woman named Lola Burt. After falling deeply in love, they were married on July 6, 1979. With their union Vernons family grew by three as she also had three children, Michael, Judith and Dena. Someone who was always doing something, Vernon was a man of many interests. He was very educated, and through reading books he was self-taught about numerous things. When reading for fun, Vernon enjoyed reading Louis LAmour westerns. As someone who treasured his faith, he also spent countless hours studying his Bible. Vernon wasnt afraid to speak out about his faith and the word of God. A true handyman, Vernon enjoyed woodworking, cutting wood, and making crafts as he always had some sort of project going. Motorcycles, hot rods, and music were additional interests. A true Michigander, Vernon was an avid Tigers and Lions fan. A man who was content in whatever life brought and could find happiness in the simple things, Vernon Schutter carried himself with honor, humility, and compassion toward others. He was Godly and steadfast in his beliefs with unconditional love for his family and friends. Vernon loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, more than anything else on this side of heaven. He will never be forgotten. Vernon J. Schutter died Friday, October 18, 2013. Vernons family includes his sons, Carl (June) Schutter of Ravenna, Roger (Cathi) Schutter of Grand Rapids, Timothy (Cindy) Schutter of Ravenna; daughters, Debra (Jim) Ackerberg of Grant, Vicki (Vince) Arends of N. Muskegon, Lori (Dennis) Bayle of Fruitport, Pamela Schutter of Mears; stepson, Michael (Susan) Griffith of Montague, stepdaughters, Judith Williams of N. Muskegon, Dena Milks of Spring Lake; 20 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother, Irvan (Mary) Schutter of Kent City; sisters, Donna Tomson of Grand Rapids, Kay (Phil) Brott of Kent City, Mary Ford of Sparta; mother of his children, Bernice Byers Schutter; former son-in-law, Ron Milks; several nieces and nephews; his cat, Abigail; and neighbor, LaVerne Dumas. Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Lola, in 2010 and his parents. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Pastor Timothy McGarvey officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider Grace Adventures "Grace Youth Camp". Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.