Niel Scharphorn Sr.

January 24, 1942 – July 28, 2021

Obituary

Remembering Niel Scharphorn Sr.

Niel Scharphorn Sr., age 79, stepped off his bike and into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. In addition to being well known as a cyclist and motorcyclist, he was an inspiration and a hero to many. Niel was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Scharphorn; siblings, Minnie, Mary, and Don. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Niel (Nora) Scharphorn; the mother of his children and dear friend, Rose Scharphorn; grandchildren, Jordan (Katy) Scharphorn, Nicole Scharphorn; great-grandchildren, Addison, Alice, and Axton; sisters and brothers, Irene, Dave, Ralph, Jim, Carl, Jerry, and Ken; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, August 4, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf, 6651 Scott St., Allendale. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Location

MKD - Allendale

6651 Scott St.
Allendale, MI 49401

View Map / Get Directions (616) 895-4400

Tribute Photos

Photos of Niel

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

August 04, 2021 8:02am

God gifted us a person of strength and inspiration. More than we know it he did what God sent him to do. It was time for him to go home. Thank you. God Speed. We send our love to the family.

— David Moore Jr.

August 03, 2021 10:54pm

What a cool guy! I was able to have a long conversation with Niel and Rosie at my nieces funeral. We were talking about electric cars and bikes! My prayers for his soul and to Rosie, Niel Jr. and family!

— brian antecki

August 03, 2021 1:25am

Prayers for the family. Neil was an inspiration for me. I last saw him at Waterloo Grit & Gravel and the Michigan MTB State Championships. I was looking forward to seeing him on the trails. He will be greatly missed by many.

— Don Campbell

August 01, 2021 8:25am

I have know this man for well over half of my life. Quiet strength and determination with an astounding passionate soul is how I would best describe him. His gentle nature and kindness were inviting in such a way that any length of time with him left you feeling peacefully respected. Every time I seen him ride, or pictures of him riding with Niel Jr or friends, I would amazingly think that this man could live forever; he is now in a place better than forever, eternity for the win. Thinking of his family, his biking community, his friends, all that loved him, and all that called him a friend. God's embrace of peace will sustain you and keep you as you struggle here without him. Rest easy my friend, you were genuinely one of a kind ♡ Shannon Allen

— Shannon Allen

July 31, 2021 9:45pm

Niel Jr and family & friends of Niel Sr., deepest sympathy in your loss, may God comfort you with His peace. Have great memories of Niel coaching my brothers in rocket football, it was such a fun time. He was very generous with his time and talents. May your years of memories be a source of strength to you now and bring smiles in the difficult days ahead. Tom & Kim (Smoes) Sullivan and Tim Smoes

— Kim (Smoes) Sullivan

July 31, 2021 3:09pm

You were such a wonderful neighbor and friend. Thanks for all the laughs and good times. You were a kind and generous person. Proud to call you a friend.

— Carol Myszak

July 31, 2021 1:23pm

Our deepest sympathy to the Scharphorn family, the family of Legends. Rest in peace Niel, it was a pleasure to have known you..

— The Vandecar Family

July 30, 2021 8:10pm

Many thoughts and prayers for your entire family. Neil was such a great person. Spent many good motorcycle rides with him. He was always there to train, ride, or race. He was such a good mentor for me. He will be missed very much. I am so glad that he took time to stop and visit with us a couple months ago on his way to Georgia. I am sure he will be riding even faster in Heaven everyday. God speed....

— Dale Larsen

Leave a Tribute