Irene Mae Skipper, age 94, of Orleans, formerly of Grandville, went to be with her Lord on Monday, November 21, 2016. Irene was born on August 11, 1922 in Dollar Bay in the Upper Peninsula. Her parents were John and Anna Brozovich. She married Bernard Skipper, the former police chief of Grandville. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree and went on to get a masters degree from U of M. She taught science classes for many years, and in her later years she enjoyed filling in as a substitute teacher. She was also actively involved for many years at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, and sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Robert Kuffle. She is survived by her sons, Bernard, of Eagle, MI, Michael, of Warsaw, IN, Thomas, of Orleans, MI; 3 grandchildren, Benjamin, Emma, and Simeon Skipper; brother, Jim and Darlene Brozovich; sister, Anne Marie and Robert Kladder; many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday 11 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, with Fr. Chris Rouech, celebrant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 4-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, with a Rosary at 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Ionia County Commission on Aging or Ionia Area Hospice.
Leave Your Tribute Message
November 28, 2016 3:35am
To the family of Irene Skipper. May God soften the sorrow of your hearts and lift your eyes to the Lord.
For the soul of Irene:
Go forth, Christian soul, from this world
in the name of God the almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you,
go forth, faithful Christian.
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints.
- The Caterina Family
November 27, 2016 2:43pm
Irene was such a lovely woman and such a good friend and neighbor to my mom, Vina. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved her. Barb
- Barb Helder Gibson
November 22, 2016 5:01pm
Rest in Peace, Aunt Irene. Love, George.
- George Kuffel